[Today’s Prayer] Magnitude 5.5 Earthquake Strikes Near Dhaka, Bangladesh…At Least 6 Dead

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) and the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) reported that a magnitude 5.5 earthquake occurred at 10:38 a.m. local time on the 21st in the Gorashal area, 28 km northeast of Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh.

The epicenter was at latitude 23.89°N and longitude 90.58°E, with a depth of 10 km.

According to the Associated Press, local authorities reported that at least six people died and dozens were injured due to the earthquake.

In Dhaka, the railing of a six-story building collapsed onto pedestrians, killing three, while the collapse of building roofs and walls caused another three deaths. Bricks and cement also fell from buildings under construction, injuring several people.

Bangladesh meteorological authorities reported that the earthquake lasted for 26 seconds.

AFP reported that residents who were at home for the holiday were terrified when the ground shook with a loud noise, with some crying and others in shock. Some temporary structures were also observed to have collapsed.

Dhaka resident Shaukat Rahman said to Reuters, “I felt strong vibrations and the buildings were swaying like trees. The staircases were completely blocked as people rushed outside. Everyone was terrified, and the children were crying.”

Source: Yonhap News

Jesus looked at his disciples and said, “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God” (Luke 6:20)

God, we hear the news that a magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, causing at least six deaths and injuring dozens.

Suddenly, during a holiday, the ground shook with a loud noise, terrifying the people, who rushed outside, some crying and deeply shocked.

We lift up to You the pain of those who witnessed their previously peaceful homes and buildings sway like trees, filled with fear and great terror, and we pray for Bangladesh.

Lord, You know the situation in Bangladesh, one of the most densely populated countries in the world with over 90% Muslim population, and we believe You desire to save even one more soul.

We also lift up Bangladesh’s minority communities, where the gospel reaches only 0.2%, and pray that this situation prompts the global church to pray more fervently for Bangladesh.

In the sudden circumstances of this earthquake, as people face the fear of death and uncertainty about the future, we pray that the global church intercedes on behalf of Bangladesh.

May the news of the gospel reach every corner of Bangladesh more than any news of death, and may no soul die without hearing the gospel.

Have mercy on Bangladesh, suffering under sin and death, and make this a time when hearts are humbled, the truth is sought, and the Kingdom of God is discovered.

May the Bangladesh church rise up to work harder in saving souls and wait faithfully for the return of the Lord.

May Bangladesh come to You with thirsty hearts!

May they rise as a blessed nation that possesses heaven and brings freedom to all nations!