The 5.6 magnitude
earthquake that struck across the country in early Saturday morning developed several cracks in different sections of three residential buildings at
Cumilla University (
CU).
The affected buildings are Kazi Nazrul Islam Hall, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall, and Nawab Faizunnissa Chaudhurani Hall, which prompted anxiety among students.
Bangabandhu Hall provost Tofael Hossain Majumder confirmed the matter adding that they will immediately discuss the matter with the engineering department of the university to inspect the issue.
Mohammad Abdul Latif, the university's head of civil engineering, said "I was not aware of this issue. If there is any structural problem due to the earthquake, we will promptly discuss this with the theoretical structural engineer. If indeed there is any structural issue caused by the earthquake, it's undoubtedly risky. We will investigate ourselves and engage with experts to take necessary measures."
Students said that two tiles have lifted in the corridor in front of room no- 504 of the five-story south block of Bangabandhu Hall and several cracks were observed in the corridor of the new and old blocks on the same floor.
Moreover, at Kazi Nazrul Islam Hall, cracks were developed in the wall of room no-207 on the ground floor, at the junction near the TV room's pillar.
In Nawab Faizunnissa Chaudhurani Hall, cracks were noticed in room no-511 on the fifth floor, room no- 503, and in the corridor in front of room no- 403 on the fourth floor.
Similar damages were observed in the corridors connecting the new and old blocks on the same floor. Additionally, cracks were noticed near rooms 204 and 205 in the south block. Room no- 209 also displayed signs of damage.
Further damages were seen in the residential quarters of the Nawab Faizunnissa Chaudhurani Hall—cracks in room no- 511, room no- 503, and the corridor of the fourth floor.
A moderate earthquake jolted the whole country on Saturday morning.
The earthquake, measuring 5.6 magnitude on the Richter Scale, was felt at 9.36am which lasted for a few seconds, according to Bangladesh Meteorological Department.
According to the USGS, the quake had a depth of 10 kilometres with the epicentre about 8 kilometres east-northeast of Ramganj in Cumilla.
However, according to United States Geological Survey (USGS), the magnitude of the earthquake was 5.5.
SA
