Two Consecutive Earthquakes Strike at Dawn: Aftershock Risk Remains for Next 48 Hours

Sylhet and northeastern Bangladesh experienced two back-to-back earthquakes in the early morning hours today, Monday (5 January). The first tremor occurred at 4:47:39 am, followed just 30 seconds later by a second one at 4:47:52 am, causing the region to shake once again.

The tremors were also felt in Assam, India, neighbouring Bangladesh. Weather and climate researcher Mustafa Kamal Palash from the University of Saskatchewan, Canada, confirmed the occurrence of two separate earthquakes.

In a Facebook post at 6:00 am on Monday, Palash wrote: “Today at dawn, not one but two earthquakes occurred. The first had a magnitude of 5.2, and the second was 5.4. The second earthquake originated in Assam, India.”

He further explained: “The epicentre of both quakes was near Morigaon in Assam, close to the state capital Guwahati. According to data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the quakes occurred at a depth of approximately 35 kilometres.”

Palash cautioned: “A magnitude 5.4 earthquake is considered moderate. There is a risk of aftershocks within the next 48 hours. These aftershocks could be felt anywhere along active fault lines inside Bangladesh or in the northern and northeastern parts of the country.”

So far, no reports of damage or casualties have been received from anywhere in the affected areas. However, relevant authorities have urged everyone to remain alert and cautious.