An earthquake was felt in Sylhet and surrounding areas early Monday (5 January). The tremor was experienced for a few seconds around 4:47 a.m.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake measured 5.4 magnitude. Its epicenter was in India’s Assam state, close to the Sylhet region, and the depth of the quake was recorded at 35 kilometers.
Residents from various parts of Sylhet city including Zindabazar, Bandar Bazar, Upashahar, Ambarkhana, Madina Market, Bagbari, Kajolshah, Vatalia, Kumarpara, Shaplabagh, Tilaghar, Shah Paran police station area, as well as South Surma, Jaintapur, Companiganj and nearby upazilas reported feeling the tremor.
However, no immediate reports of damage or casualties were received.
Witnesses said many people rushed out of their homes in panic after feeling light shaking. Some stated that window panes and ceiling fans rattled during the tremor.
Sylhet is known as a seismically vulnerable region. In recent years, several mild to moderate earthquakes have been felt there. Experts have long warned that Sylhet remains at risk of a major earthquake due to the active Dawki fault line. Although predicting the exact timing of a major earthquake is not possible, seismic risk assessments indicate about a 10% probability of a significant quake in the next 50 years. Many old and unplanned buildings in Sylhet city are also not earthquake-resistant, raising concerns of severe damage in case of a strong quake.
Experts caution that recent tremors may be a reminder of potential larger seismic threats and stress the need for preparedness.