Strong earthquake rocks country, 3 killed

Staff Correspondent: A major earthquake has jolted different parts of the country including the capital Dhaka, causing panic among the people.

According to the met office, the magnitude of the quake was 6.4 in Richter scale and the epicentre was located in Nepal.

The first tremor struck around 12:11pm on Saturday and lasted approximately three to five minutes. Aftershocks were felt again around 12:45pm.

BBC reports that the powerful earthquake rocked central Nepal, causing extensive damage to buildings and some injuries.

The quake measured 7.9 and struck an area between the capital Kathmandu and the city of Pokhara, the US Geological Survey said.

Tremors were felt in Indian capital Delhi and other cities in northern India, which borders Nepal.

In the capital Dhaka, residents of high-rise buildings were seen running down in panic as apartments swung.

At least three persons died in Dhaka, Savar and Pabna. Many people are injured in Chandpur, Barisal, Savar, Brahmanbaria, Comilla and Rajshahi.

Our correspondents from across the country reported that the quake was felt in Chittagong, Jessore, Rajshahi, Khulna, Satkhira, Barisal and many other districts.


risingbd/DHAKA/April 25, 2015/Mukul