Tilted Towers Trigger Tension in Siddhirganj After 5.7 Quake
A powerful 5.7-magnitude earthquake has sparked widespread alarm in Siddhirganj, Narayanganj, after several residential buildings were found leaning dangerously. From Thursday morning to noon on 27 November, engineers from RAJUK, the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB), and other relevant bodies inspected the affected structures and declared six buildings “high-risk.” Warning signs marked with red alerts have already been placed in front of the buildings.
Multiple buildings in Siddhirganj Housing and Bhumipalli areas tilted sideways due to the tremor. Among them, three buildings leaned directly onto adjacent structures, causing secondary pressure damage. Authorities have now deemed all six buildings unfit for use.
IEB Vice President and prominent civil engineer ATM Tanvirul Hasan Tamal, who was a key member of the inspection team, stated after the assessment:
“We visited three of the damaged buildings. The nature of the problem is almost identical in all cases—significant soil settlement led to the tilting. Although no major cracks were found in the main structural frame, the foundation was weak. Insufficient piling depth during construction is the primary cause.”
He added that detailed measurements have been taken and a full report will be submitted to RAJUK. He termed the incident a serious example of construction flaws and failure in soil preparation.
RAJUK Narayanganj Zone-8 Authorized Officer Engineer Rongon Mondal said,
“Three buildings have tilted directly, and the pressure has affected three neighboring buildings as well. All six are now listed as risky. These buildings are currently unsafe. BUET and other technical agencies will conduct further examinations. Until they are declared safe, entry or use remains strictly prohibited.”
He also noted that many residents have already begun vacating the buildings voluntarily. The district administration, city corporation, and the Local Government Ministry have been notified on an urgent basis.
“Once the buildings are fully vacated, we will carry out additional inspections. Further action will be taken as per the guidance of the higher authorities,” he added.
The news of the leaning buildings has triggered widespread panic in the area. Many families rushed out to safer locations, while some residents are still too afraid to enter their homes.
One resident said, “Suddenly we saw the building leaning to one side. Even after the earthquake stopped, the fear hasn’t gone away.”
DBTech/SF/IH/OR
