Four earthquakes rattled parts of India, Myanmar, and Tajikistan on Sunday morning within the span of an hour, triggering panic across Central and South Asia. From Himalayan towns to Central Asian settlements, residents were seen fleeing buildings as tremors shook the region, underscoring the area’s seismic volatility. The first tremor struck at 9:00 am local time in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district, with a magnitude of 3.4, the National Centre for Seismology (NCS) confirmed. The quake, which occurred at a shallow depth of 5 kilometres and was centred at latitude 31.49°N and longitude 76.94°E, caused brief alarm. Although minor in scale, the shaking was noticeable enough to send residents rushing outdoors, following a low rumble and sudden jolt. No casualties or structural damage have been reported so far. High winds, sandstorms force Beijing to cancel hundreds of flights Soon after, a more powerful quake measuring 5.5 on the Richter scale struck near Meiktila in central Myanmar, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). This aftershock comes in the wake of the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake on 28 March, which claimed more than 3,600 lives and left thousands injured. Sunday’s tremor was felt in Mandalay and Naypyitaw, with reports of ceiling damage in some homes. Several residents contacted by phone said people fled buildings in panic. However, those interviewed requested anonymity, citing fears of reprisals from the military regime, which tightly controls information. No new casualties have been confirmed. In Tajikistan, two successive quakes further heightened concerns. At 9:54 am, a 6.1 magnitude earthquake—initially estimated at 6.4—struck at a depth of 10 kilometres. The epicentre was recorded at 38.86°N, 70.61°E. The tremor prompted evacuations in some schools and commercial establishments in nearby towns due to its intensity. Less than an hour later, at 10:36 am, a 3.9 magnitude quake struck the same region, again at a depth of 10 kilometres. While no injuries or major damage were reported, the back-to-back tremors have raised apprehensions about heightened seismic activity in the area. With inputs from Indian media

A light earthquake shook Dhaka and several other parts of the country on Friday afternoon. According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), the tremor was recorded at 4:53 pm with a magnitude of 4.0 on the Richter scale. The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) reported that the epicentre was situated on the India-Bangladesh border, approximately 68 kilometres north of Cumilla city in Bangladesh and 26 kilometres north of Agartala city in the Indian state of Tripura.

A 55-member rescue and medical team from Bangladesh reached Nay Pyi Taw on Tuesday afternoon to extend humanitarian assistance to the earthquake affected people of Myanmar. Two C 130 J and one CASA C 295W flights carried the team along with a total 15 metric tons of relief materials comprising 4.2 metric ton medicine and medical products, tent, and dry food to Myanmar.  Bangladesh sends 2nd consignment of emergency aid to Myanmar Bangladesh Ambassador in Myanmar M Monwar Hossain handed over the relief materials to Ambassador at large of Myanmar Foreign Ministry Kyaw Tun, according to an official message here. Defence Adviser of the Embassy Brigadier General Md. Aftab Hossain was also present during the handing over ceremony. Earlier on March 30, Bangladesh sent the first consignment of 16.5 metric tons of relief in two flights.

A 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck near Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, early Friday morning. However, there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties. According to the National Earthquake Monitoring and Research Centre, the tremor was recorded at 2:51 am along the Kodari Highway in Sindhupalchowk district, about 65 km east of Kathmandu. The quake was felt across Kathmandu Valley and its surrounding areas. 6.0-magnitude earthquake jolts off Indonesia's North Sulawesi Nepal is situated in one of the most seismically active zones (Seismic Zones IV and V), making it highly susceptible to earthquakes. The most devastating quake in the country’s history occurred in 2015, when a 7.8-magnitude earthquake claimed over 9,000 lives and destroyed more than a million structures. Source: With input from agency 

An earthquake was felt in Dhaka and various parts of Bangladesh early at 1:23 am on Friday, causing panic among people. Many reported being alarmed by the tremor at night. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake originated in Wazin, Manipur, India. It had a magnitude of 5.1 on the Richter scale and a depth of 106 kilometres. The tremor was also felt in neighbouring Myanmar. This is not the first earthquake in January. Earlier this month, tremors were recorded on 3 and 7 January. The 3 January earthquake, which originated 482 kilometres away from Dhaka, was moderate in intensity, while the one on 7 January was more severe. Besides, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department reported another earthquake on 21 January. This tremor, with a magnitude of 4.1 on the Richter scale, originated in Khasi Hills, Meghalaya, India. The repeated seismic activity in January has raised concerns among people and experts about the region's vulnerability to earthquakes.

A magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck southern Taiwan early Tuesday, leaving 27 people with minor injuries, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The quake hit at 12:17 am and was centered 38 kilometers (24 miles) southeast of Chiayi County Hall at a depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles), Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration said. The U.S. Geological Survey measured the earthquake at a less powerful magnitude 6. While there have been no fatalities reported so far, rescue teams are continuing to assess the damage. 6.2 earthquake jolts southwestern Mexico According to Taiwan’s fire department, 27 individuals were taken to hospitals for minor injuries. This includes six people, among them a child, who were rescued from a collapsed house in Nanxi District of Tainan city. Additionally, the Zhuwei bridge along a provincial highway was reported to have sustained damage. Earthquake kills 126 people in China near Mount Everest Last April, Taiwan’s eastern Hualien region experienced a 7.4 magnitude earthquake that claimed at least 13 lives and left more than 1,000 people injured. That quake, the strongest in 25 years, triggered hundreds of aftershocks. Situated along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” Taiwan frequently experiences seismic activity due to its location on major tectonic fault lines.

Tents and other essential supplies are being distributed to survivors of a deadly earthquake in Tibet, which killed 126 people and rendered thousands homeless in freezing high-altitude conditions, reports AP. Rescue workers continued searching on Wednesday for victims and survivors near the holy Tibetan Buddhist city of Xigaze, the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama, following the quake that struck a day earlier. Strong earthquake kills at least 95 people in western China near Mount Everest The confirmed death toll stands at 126, with 188 injured, as of Tuesday evening. Temperatures in the region, averaging an altitude of 4,200 meters (13,800 feet), dropped well below freezing overnight. Over 3,600 houses collapsed, forcing 30,000 residents to relocate, according to a preliminary survey cited by the city government. The epicenter of the earthquake, measuring a magnitude of 7.1 according to the U.S. Geological Survey, was approximately 25 kilometers (15 miles) from Xigaze and about 75 kilometers (50 miles) from Mount Everest and Nepal's border. Chinese authorities recorded the magnitude at 6.8. The quake also caused widespread panic in Nepal, where people fled their homes in the capital, it said. Earthquake kills 126 people in China near Mount Everest Gurum village, with a population of 222, reported 22 deaths, including the mother of its Communist Party chief, Tsering Phuntsog, who noted that even young residents struggled to escape collapsing buildings. Several of his relatives remain buried under debris. The region’s historical and political significance has added complexity to the disaster response. Xigaze is home to the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, associated with the Panchen Lama, Tibetan Buddhism’s second-highest figure. A decades-long dispute exists between the Chinese government and followers of the Dalai Lama regarding the Panchen Lama’s legitimacy, following the disappearance of a Dalai Lama-appointed boy in the mid-1990s, added the report. The Chinese government claims Tibet as part of its territory, while many Tibetans argue they were largely independent before China’s 1950 invasion. This tension, coupled with Tibet’s restrictions on foreign journalists, often limits external reporting on the region. Rescue operations are ongoing, with 1,850 rescuers, including firefighters and emergency personnel, deployed, as reported by state broadcaster CCTV. Communications in the area have been restored, facilitating the delivery of relief items such as tents and quilts. Chinese President Xi Jinping called for “all-out rescue efforts to save lives and minimize casualties,” Xinhua reported. Despite this, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun criticized the Dalai Lama's plans to lead a prayer ceremony in Dharamsala, India, for the earthquake victims, reaffirming the government's stance against him. Dharamsala, home to the Dalai Lama and a significant Tibetan exile community, also plans to hold a candlelight vigil on Wednesday night. Strong earthquake kills at least 95 people in western China near Mount Everest More than 500 aftershocks have been recorded, underscoring the earthquake’s intensity. Chinese officials remain confident in their ability to rebuild under the Communist Party’s leadership.

 A strong earthquake shook a high-altitude region of western China and areas of Nepal on Tuesday, damaging hundreds of houses, littering streets with rubble and killing at least 126 people in Tibet. Many others were trapped as dozens of aftershocks shook the remote region. Rescue workers climbed mounds of broken bricks, some using ladders in heavily damaged villages, as they searched for survivors. Videos posted by China's Ministry of Emergency Management showed two people being carried on stretchers by workers treading over the debris from collapsed homes. At least 188 people were injured in Tibet on the Chinese side of the border, the official Xinhua News Agency said. More than 1,000 homes were damaged in the barren and sparsely populated region, state broadcaster CCTV reported. In video posted by the broadcaster, building debris littered streets and crushed cars. People in northeastern Nepal strongly felt the earthquake, but there were no initial reports of injuries or damage, according to the country's National Emergency Operation Center. The area around Mount Everest, about 75 kilometers (50 miles) southwest of the epicenter, was empty in the depth of winter when even some residents move away to escape the cold. The quake woke up residents in Nepal’s capital of Kathmandu — about 230 kilometers (140 miles) from the epicenter — and sent them running into the streets. Read: Bangladesh on edge as earthquake threats escalating The U.S. Geological Survey said the earthquake measured magnitude 7.1 and was relatively shallow at a depth of about 10 kilometers (6 miles). China's Earthquake Networks Center recorded the magnitude as 6.8. Shallow earthquakes often cause more damage. The epicenter was in Tibet's Tingri county, where the India and Eurasia plates grind against each other and can cause earthquakes strong enough to change the heights of some of the world’s tallest peaks in the Himalayan mountains. Tibet is part of China, but many Tibetans’ loyalties lie with the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader who has lived in exile in India since a failed anti-Chinese uprising in 1959. Western governments and human rights organizations have repeatedly accused the Chinese government of abuses in Tibet, where it has cracked down on dissent while investing heavily in economic development. There have been 10 earthquakes of at least magnitude 6 in the area where Tuesday’s quake hit over the past century, the USGS said. About 150 aftershocks were recorded in the nine hours after the earthquake, and the Mount Everest scenic area on the Chinese side was closed. Read more: Earthquake activity near Alaskan Volcano sparks concerns Chinese leader Xi Jinping called for all-out efforts to rescue people, minimize casualties and resettle those whose homes were damaged. More than 3,000 rescuers were deployed, CCTV said. Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing was dispatched to the area to guide the work, and the government announced the allocation of 100 million yuan ($13.6 million) for disaster relief. About 6,900 people live in three townships and 27 villages within 20 kilometers (12.5 miles) of the epicenter on the Chinese side, state media said. The average altitude in the area is about 4,200 meters (13,800 feet), the Chinese earthquake center said in a social media post. On the southwest edge of Kathmandu, a video showed water spilling out into the street from a pond in a courtyard with a small temple. “It is a big earthquake," a woman can be heard saying. "People are all shaking.”

The tremors of a 7.1 magnitude earthquake that rattled the region on Tuesday morning serve as a stark reminder of Bangladesh's seismic vulnerabilities. While no casualties have been reported in Bangladesh, the incident has brought renewed attention to the country’s readiness to confront a potentially catastrophic earthquake. Experts warn that recent patterns—over 60 recorded quakes since 2024 alone—indicate an urgent need for comprehensive disaster preparedness. Nestled at the junction of active tectonic plates, Bangladesh faces immense seismic risks. Its dense population, ageing infrastructure, and poor enforcement of building codes amplify these dangers, painting a grim picture for the future unless immediate action is taken. Govt intensifies efforts to improve Dhaka's traffic management The tremors were also felt across Nepal, India, Bhutan and China, highlighting the regional dimensions of such disasters. A Nation on the Edge Bangladesh’s position at the collision zone of tectonic plates, with several active fault lines, places it at significant risk. Historically, the region has experienced devastating earthquakes, with five major events between 1869 and 1930 registering above 7.0 on the Richter scale. Since then, there has been a lull in high-magnitude quakes—a silence that experts caution could precede a seismic upheaval. Recent years have seen a troubling rise in seismic activity. Among the 60 earthquakes recorded since 2024, three were above magnitude 4.0, while 31 ranged between 3.0 and 4.0. This uptick, coupled with urban sprawl and inadequate infrastructure, leaves the nation precariously exposed. Fire at building in Dhaka’s Purana Paltan under control Dhaka: A City at Risk Dhaka ranks among the 20 most vulnerable cities globally to earthquakes. The 2013 Rana Plaza collapse, which claimed over 1,100 lives, serves as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by poorly constructed buildings. A 2018 survey found that many structures in areas such as Mirpur, Mohammadpur, Pallabi, Rampura, Motijheel, and Khilgaon fail to meet structural and design standards. Chattogram, the Chittagong Hill Tracts, and Jaintiapur in Sylhet are identified as extreme risk zones. A high-magnitude earthquake in these areas could unleash a disaster of unimaginable scale in Dhaka. Sub-National Earthquake Risk Assessment In March 2024, the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR) launched Bangladesh’s first sub-national earthquake risk assessment, a proactive measure supported by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the Global Earthquake Model (GEM) Foundation. This initiative integrates advanced probabilistic seismic hazard models, building exposure analyses, and fragility evaluations to map vulnerabilities and recommend actionable strategies. Initial findings, shared during a four-day dissemination event in Dhaka, shed light on critical weaknesses. Government officials, humanitarian organisations, and university students were briefed on historical seismicity, hypothetical scenarios, and infrastructure vulnerabilities. Thirty-five students received technical training on earthquake modelling, equipping the next generation to address these challenges head-on. Illegal brick kilns fined Tk 1.24 crore, 11 shut down, 15 ordered closed Unveiling Vulnerabilities Key insights from the assessment reveal significant shortcomings: Fragile Infrastructure: Hospitals, emergency response centres, and government offices are among the structures requiring urgent retrofitting to withstand seismic shocks. Urban Planning Gaps: Poor enforcement of building codes and rapid, unplanned urbanisation heighten risks, particularly in densely populated areas like Dhaka. Public Awareness Deficit: Many citizens remain unprepared for earthquake scenarios, with limited understanding of emergency protocols. A Call to Action While the sub-national assessment marks a crucial step forward, experts stress the need for a unified, multi-sectoral approach to mitigate risks. Key recommendations include: · Strengthening and enforcing building codes. · Conducting public awareness campaigns to educate communities on earthquake preparedness. · Allocating resources to retrofit critical infrastructure. · Enhancing civil-military coordination for efficient disaster response. With proper implementation of the sub-national assessment’s recommendations, Bangladesh can transform its vulnerabilities into a robust defence against seismic threats.

A powerful earthquake in Tibet on Tuesday claimed at least 95 lives and left numerous others trapped as aftershocks rocked the high-altitude region of western China and parts of Nepal. Authorities reported that 130 people sustained injuries, according to state broadcaster CCTV. Rescue footage displayed emergency workers in orange suits navigating debris-strewn areas, with collapsed structures and crushed vehicles visible. State media cited the Tibet earthquake relief headquarters, noting around 1,000 homes sustained damage and 130 people were injured in addition to the fatalities. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) registered the earthquake at magnitude 7.1 with a depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles), while Chinese officials recorded it as magnitude 6.8. The epicenter was located roughly 75 kilometers (50 miles) northeast of Mount Everest, along the seismically active India-Eurasia tectonic boundary, responsible for shaping the Himalayan mountains. Major earthquake jolts parts of Bangladesh Within three hours, around 50 aftershocks followed the main tremor, prompting the closure of the Mount Everest scenic area on the Chinese side. The Ministry of Emergency Management deployed approximately 1,500 fire and rescue personnel, while an additional 200 soldiers joined search efforts, CCTV reported. Chinese President Xi Jinping urged swift action to rescue victims, reduce casualties, and provide shelter for those displaced. Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing was sent to oversee rescue operations. The quake struck near several communities, with the closest around 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the epicenter. It was located approximately 380 kilometers (240 miles) from Tibet's capital, Lhasa, and 23 kilometers (14 miles) from Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city, also known as Xigaze. The China Earthquake Networks Center reported the area’s average altitude as approximately 4,200 meters (13,800 feet). Across the border in Nepal, authorities instructed officials to assess damage and casualties. Nepal’s National Emergency Operation Center in Kathmandu confirmed no immediate reports of damage or injuries, although the tremor was strongly felt. Dense fog may disrupt flights, road, river communications: BMD In Solukhumbu district, home to Mount Everest, no damage was reported. The region, usually bustling with trekkers, was largely vacant due to harsh winter conditions. In Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, about 230 kilometers (140 miles) from the epicenter, the quake startled residents, prompting them to rush outdoors. The USGS reported at least 10 earthquakes of magnitude 6 or higher have struck the region over the past century.