Earthquake stops play in Bangladesh-Ireland Test match as the 5.5 magnitude earthuake hit part of Bangladesh and India.
During the morning session of the third day of the ongoing second Test between Bangladesh and Ireland in Dhaka, a 5.5 magnitude earthquake triggered intense vibrations in portions of Bangladesh and India, forcing the suspension of play for three minutes.
The players and umpires gathered close to the pitch as the jolts caused instant alarm in the seats. Around 10.38 a.m. (10.08 a.m. in India), both dressing rooms were empty.
The little group searched for open spaces where they could flee. While some attempted to approach the ground, others left the stadium.
As spectators attempted to flee to secure areas, the media centre, a five-story structure at the stadium’s north end, also swiftly cleared out.
Although there is some uncertainty on the earthquake’s magnitude, local media in Bangladesh has stated that it was measured at 5.5 on the Richter scale, with the epicentre being in Madhabdi, a municipality some 40 km east of Dhaka. At least two damaged buildings have been reported in the capital city, however there have been no verified reports of injuries.
Tremors were reportedly felt in Guwahati, the site of Saturday’s second Test match between India and South Africa, as well as other parts of northeastern India, according to reports from Kolkata, which is located in West Bengal, India, over the border from Bangladesh.
Play resumed in the Dhaka Test after the pause, with Ireland losing two more wickets in the first session to go to lunch on the third day at 211 for 7 in reply to Bangladesh’s 476.