Technovative Solutions Ltd (TVS) is a Manchester-based organisation that leverages innovation and technology to address the real-world challenges. The organisation is working on climate & disaster resilience as one of its core domains. To manage extreme weather events, TVS develops diverse resilience concepts and tools. The organisation’s efforts also include reducing risks arising from natural hazards, such as earthquakes. The authors, Dr Abdelghani Meslem (Principal Research Engineer, Disaster Risk Modelling, NORSAR) and Dr Mohammad Azizur Rahman (Director-Technical, Technovative Solutions), have extensive experience in managing disaster-induced risks and hold both technical and strategic knowledge.
On 21 November 2025, a moderate yet damaging earthquake struck Narsingdi, a central district of Bangladesh, 50km north-east of Dhaka, the capital. Even though the magnitude was not high in global terms, the combination of shallow depth, dense population, and vulnerable buildings made the impacts severe. As expected, several aftershocks followed during the first hours and days, which created fear and confusion across the country, and to the region to some extent.
Map of the Narsingdi earthquake (Source: Euro-Mediterranean Seismological Centre)
At the same time, rumours began spreading through social media and word-of-mouth – claims that a “much bigger” earthquake would strike soon, or that “scientists have predicted a huge one coming.” These statements have no scientific basis, yet they cause real panic.
This blog explains what we know about the earthquake, why the region is seismically active, what aftershocks really mean, and why people should stay alert but not afraid.
What Happened on 21 November 2025?
At approximately 10:38 am local time, a magnitude ~5.5 earthquake struck near Narsingdi, about 20–25 km northeast of the capital city Dhaka. The earthquake was shallow, occurring at a depth of around 10 km, which is why the shaking felt strong despite the moderate magnitude. The consequences were significant:
- Over 600 people were injured
- At least 10 people lost their lives
- Numerous buildings suffered cracks, wall collapses, or structural damage
- Tremors were felt widely across the central Bangladesh
A rescue personnel was seen active in Dhaka, Bangladesh after the earthquake (Photo credit: Abdul Goni/AP Photo)
Some of the injuries occurred not from building failures but from panic-driven reactions, such as people running downstairs or rushing outdoors. This highlights how panic and confusion can increase the danger during an earthquake.
Why Did This Earthquake Occur?
Bangladesh is located in a region where several tectonic plates interact. Most importantly, the Indian Plate pushes northward and collides with the Eurasian Plate. This immense pressure has shaped the Himalayas over millions of years and creates stress across the surrounding region.
While the northeast of Bangladesh is known for strong seismicity, the Narsingdi earthquake reminds us of something critical: many faults lie deep underground, and some are not well mapped or understood. In this case, preliminary scientific analyses suggest that the quake may have resulted from reverse faulting on an older basement fault. This means a fault that had been quiet for a long time suddenly reactivated.
Historically, Bangladesh has experienced several strong earthquakes:
- Major earthquakes above magnitude 7 were recorded multiple times between the late 1800s and early 1900s.
- Seismic hazard assessments have long warned that the country contains multiple active fault systems.
The 2025 Narsingdi event reinforces that Bangladesh is not free from earthquakes, even in areas not considered “high risk.” Understanding this helps promote proper construction practices and preparedness.
Aftershocks: A Normal Part of Earthquake Behaviour
After the mainshock, people in Narsingdi and surrounding areas felt several aftershocks. This led to widespread anxiety, with many believing that these smaller quakes meant a “big one” was coming. Here are the key facts everyone should know:
- Aftershocks are completely normal. When a large amount of stress is released during a main shock, the Earth’s crust adjusts to the new stress distribution. This adjustment produces smaller earthquakes.
- Aftershocks are almost always smaller than the mainshock. It is extremely rare for an aftershock to exceed the mainshock’s magnitude.
- Aftershocks decrease in frequency and intensity over time. Most occur within the first 24–72 hours, then gradually taper off.
- Feeling aftershocks does not mean the threat is increasing. It means the earth is settling into a new balance after the main event (a natural process).
Understanding this can greatly help reduce fear. Feeling aftershocks can be unpleasant, but scientifically, they are expected and natural, not a sign of an upcoming disaster.
Can Scientists Predict a “Bigger Earthquake” Coming Soon?
A common misunderstanding is that scientists can forecast earthquakes in the short term. In reality:
No one in the world can predict the exact time, date, or size of an earthquake. Global research has not yet found a reliable method to predict earthquakes in advance. Although scientists can identify which areas are at higher risk, and the probability of earthquakes over long periods, but not when an earthquake will strike in the short term.
Therefore, any rumour saying “a big earthquake will happen tonight, tomorrow, or next week” is speculation-based. These unscientific claims spread fear and can lead to harmful behaviour among mass people. The responsible approach is to focus on preparedness, not predictions.
Stay Calm, Stay Prepared
The Narsingdi earthquake should be seen as a reminder, not a prophecy. It highlights the need for:
- Earthquake-resistant building design
- Retrofitting older and vulnerable buildings
- Raising awareness about what to do during and after quakes
- Emergency planning at family, community, and institutional levels
People gather to witness the aftermath of the earthquake in a congested area of Dhaka (Photo credit: Abdul Goni/AP Photo)
What individuals can do:
- Learning safe spots in your home (under sturdy tables, away from heavy objects)
- Practising drop–cover–hold drills
- Keeping a small emergency kit (water, torch, medicine)
- Avoid spreading misinformation
With proper knowledge, communities become stronger and more resilient.
Stay Informed, Not Afraid
Earthquakes will continue to occur in Bangladesh because the country geographically lies in an active tectonic region. But with understanding, planning, and responsible communication, people can stay safe without panic.
Though the Narsingdi earthquake created tension nationwide, it gave us an opportunity to improve preparedness and raise awareness. Aftershocks are normal, predictions are impossible, and rumours do not protect anyone. The best response is calmness, knowledge, and readiness.
Authors
Dr Abdelghani Meslem is the Principal Research Engineer in the Hazard and Risk Modelling (HRM) group at NORSAR and an Associate Professor at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU). He is leading the development of decision support systems that integrate multi-hazard risks, dynamic hazard interactions, and impact chains to improve strategic planning and decision-making. As an expert in multi-hazard risk and resilience modelling and disaster risk management, Dr. Meslem has national and international R&D experience in leading multidisciplinary teams and projects.
Dr Mohammad Azizur Rahman is a leading expert in disaster and Environmental Management, with over 22 years of experience in international research and consultancy. Dr Rahman coordinates several scientific teams that develop decision support system (DSS) frameworks across different industrial domains and sectors. His current work also includes the development of innovative tools for citizen assembly formation, agenda setting, and evaluation, enabling more inclusive and participatory disaster management.
