Dhaka, Nov. 22 — A 5.5-magnitude earthquake struck central Bangladesh on Friday morning, killing at least ten people and injuring over 600, authorities and local media reported. The tremor, which hit at 10:38 a.m. local time, sent buildings swaying in the capital Dhaka and triggered panic among residents who rushed into the streets.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake’s epicenter was in Ghorashal, Narsingdi district, about 25 kilometers from Dhaka, at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers. The impact was felt strongly in Dhaka, where three people died after building railings and concrete debris fell on them in the city’s old quarters. Another three victims were killed when a roof and wall collapsed elsewhere, local television reported.

Scenes of chaos unfolded at hospitals as injured residents sought treatment. Dhaka University students reportedly jumped from upper floors of dormitories in fear. Firefighters were deployed to stabilize tilting buildings and extinguish a blaze in the Baridhara neighborhood.

Authorities have ordered all medical facilities nationwide to remain on high alert. While northern and southeastern Bangladesh are known for seismic activity, experts note that central regions are typically less prone to earthquakes.