Bangladesh Records Eight Earthquakes in 25 Days, Experts Warn of Major Risk

Bangladesh has experienced eight earthquakes in the first 25 days of February, raising concerns among experts about the possibility of a larger seismic event.

The latest tremor struck on Wednesday night and measured 4.1 on the Richter scale. Seismologists say the increasing frequency of small and moderate earthquakes both within the country and in surrounding regions could be a geological precursor to a major earthquake.

The first tremor of the month was recorded on February 1, when a mild 3.0 magnitude earthquake was felt in Dhaka and surrounding areas. Its epicenter was located east-southeast of Sylhet city.

On the night of February 3, two consecutive earthquakes originating in Myanmar were felt in Bangladesh. These measured 5.9 and 5.2 in magnitude, respectively.

Earlier that same day at 4:36:46 am, another tremor struck the country’s southwestern region. The epicenter was in Kalaroa upazila of Satkhira, about 175 kilometers southwest of Dhaka. The magnitude was recorded at 4.1.

On February 9 at dawn and again on February 10 in the afternoon, two more earthquakes were felt in Gowainghat upazila of Sylhet. Their magnitudes were 3.3 and 4.0.

Another 4.1 magnitude tremor was recorded on February 19 at 12:46 pm, with its epicenter in Chhatak upazila of Sunamganj.

Altogether, eight earthquakes have been felt across the country from the beginning of February until Wednesday.

According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, the most recent earthquake was felt at 10:51:49 pm on Wednesday, with its epicenter in Myanmar.

Earthquake monitoring website Volcano Discovery reported that a 5.1 magnitude quake struck Myanmar’s Sagaing region, and its tremors were felt in Bangladesh.

The Euro-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) stated that the earthquake occurred at 16:51:48 UTC on February 25. The epicenter was located at latitude 23.031 and longitude 94.744, at a depth of approximately 101 kilometers below the Earth’s surface.

The quake’s center was about 110 kilometers north-northwest of Monywa city and 76 kilometers southeast of Mawlaik in Myanmar. Due to its considerable depth, no major damage was reported.

In Dhaka, light tremors were felt for several seconds, though no immediate damage was reported.

Experts have expressed growing concern over the increasing frequency of tremors, warning that such patterns may indicate mounting tectonic stress in the region.

The concern follows a powerful earthquake on November 21 last year, which measured 5.7 on the Richter scale. That quake left 10 people dead and injured more than 600 nationwide, causing significant structural damage in several areas, including Dhaka.

Seismologists emphasize the need for preparedness and strengthened infrastructure, as Bangladesh remains vulnerable due to its dense population and proximity to active fault lines.