BNUS Conducts an Earthquake Intensity Survey for M4.1 Rajshahi Earthquake, 2008

A light earthquake occurred on the Bangladesh-India border, on 5 July 2008 at 22:55 PM local time in Bangladesh. According to ASC-India website, it had a magnitude of M=4.1(IMD) and was felt in parts Rajshahi in Bangladesh as well as in parts of West Bengal in India. The earthquake was centred 6.4 kms WNW of Rajshahi, Bangladesh. In Rajshahi division in Bangladesh, it was strongly felt at Chapainawabganj, Naogaon, Natore and Rajshahi sending many people rushing outdoors. At least 30 buildings developed cracks and a 6-storey building "tilted" in the division. BNUS team visited the areas around the earthquake source, Rajshahi City, Chapainawabganj, Godagari, Saroda, Baghmara, Keshore, Natore and Tanore from July 16 to 19 and 27, 2008 and conducted surveys through a pre-formatted questionnaire. A total of 200 inhabitants of the nearby areas were considered for the questionnaire survey. From the collected data Intensity of different locations was assumed. The survey results indicate that the people living in Rajshahi and adjacent areas could feel the shaking. Some people woke up from sleep and shaking of light furniture, doors and windows, gentle oscillation of hanging objects were also noticed in some cases. According to majority of the people the shaking was horrifying to them. People living in tin-shed houses could notice a strange sound also. The intensity of the quake assumed from the survey was V at Rajshahi, Chapainawabgonj, Baghmara, Keshore and Tanore, IV at Godagari, Saroda and III at Natore.

Tilting of 6-story building in Rajshahi	Crack in a shop at Godagari	Collapse of an earthen wall at Baghmara

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