Tremors were felt in eastern states in neighbouring India that border Bangladesh, but there were no immediate reports of major damage there, authorities said.

Dhaka residents rushed out of their homes as buildings shook and some makeshift structures collapsed, Reuters witnesses said.

“We felt a strong jolt and buildings were shaking like trees,” said resident Suman Rahman. “Staircases were jammed as people rushed down. Everyone was terrified, and children were crying.”

The fire department said some people had been injured when bricks and loose cement fell from buildings that were under construction.

“I have never felt such a tremor in my life. We were at the office when the furniture started shaking.

We rushed down the stairs on the street and saw other people on the road already,“ said Sadman Sakib, who works in Dhaka.

The government was closely monitoring the situation and had directed departments to intensify rescue operations in affected areas, Yunus’ office said in the statement.