A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Bangladesh on March 28, 2025, leading to a catastrophic loss of life and extensive destruction. The quake has reportedly resulted in over 1,600 fatalities and has caused numerous buildings to collapse, affecting not only Bangladesh but also neighboring countries like Thailand and China.
Despite the distance of over 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) from the epicenter, Bangkok experienced significant tremors that led to the collapse of an unfinished 30-story building. This incident has raised questions about the geological factors that allowed such a distant earthquake to cause destruction in Thailand's capital. According to the Hong Kong Observatory, the earthquake occurred on a slip fault in central Bangladesh and was detected through seismic waves that were recorded globally.
In the aftermath of the disaster, rescue teams have been working tirelessly to locate survivors amid the rubble. The scale of the destruction is staggering, with entire neighborhoods flattened and emergency services overwhelmed by the scale of the damage. As rescue efforts continue, the international community is mobilizing to provide aid to those affected.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident in Hong Kong, a dog named Happy fell from a platform in Sheung Shui around noon on March 31, 2025. The dog sustained severe injuries and was found bleeding and in critical condition. The dog's owner, upon being contacted by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, initially expressed concern over the medical costs rather than the animal's welfare. After some persuasion from local volunteers, the owner signed an abandonment form, allowing Happy to be taken to a veterinary center for emergency treatment.
Happy's case has drawn attention to the responsibilities of pet owners and the importance of animal welfare. Lau Ka-man, a local council member who assisted at the scene, expressed concern over the delay in getting the dog medical attention, stating that it took about two hours before Happy could be treated. The dog is currently in critical condition, suffering from internal bleeding and a dangerously low body temperature.
In addition to these events, the Hong Kong Observatory has been monitoring the ongoing cold weather conditions affecting the region. A cold weather warning has been issued, with temperatures dropping to around 12 degrees Celsius in many areas. The northeast monsoon is bringing chilly weather to the coast of Guangdong, and the forecast indicates that temperatures will remain low for the next couple of days.
On the same day, the Pacific island nation of Tonga experienced its own seismic activity, with a magnitude 7 earthquake occurring at 8:18 PM Hong Kong time. The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center initially issued a tsunami warning for coastal areas, advising residents to evacuate to higher ground. However, the tsunami threat was later lifted, and no significant damage or injuries were reported.
The Tonga earthquake, which was later revised to a magnitude of 7, was followed by another quake of 6.1 magnitude, further shaking the region. Residents reported feeling strong tremors, but fortunately, their homes remained intact.
As the world grapples with these recent seismic events, experts are analyzing the causes and implications of such powerful earthquakes. The Hong Kong Observatory noted that major earthquakes are more likely to occur along tectonic plate boundaries, and the region where the Bangladesh earthquake occurred is known to be one of the most seismically active areas globally. The slip fault responsible for the recent quake is the largest and most active in the region, indicating a significant release of strain energy.
In light of these events, communities are reminded of the importance of preparedness in the face of natural disasters. While the immediate focus remains on rescue and recovery efforts in Bangladesh and support for affected regions, the lessons learned from these incidents will likely influence future disaster response strategies.
As for the weather in Hong Kong, residents are bracing for continued cold temperatures, with the Hong Kong Observatory predicting highs around 16 degrees Celsius and lows dropping to about 12 degrees. A broad cloud band is currently covering southern China, and light rain is expected intermittently. The cold weather warning remains in effect, with temporary shelters opened across various districts to provide warmth and shelter to those in need.
Looking ahead, the observatory anticipates a gradual warming trend as the northeast monsoon weakens later this week, leading to clearer skies and more pleasant temperatures during the upcoming Ching Ming Festival.
In summary, the recent earthquakes in Bangladesh and Tonga highlight the unpredictable nature of seismic activity and the need for vigilance and preparedness in earthquake-prone regions. Meanwhile, the situation for Happy the dog serves as a poignant reminder of the responsibilities that come with pet ownership and the importance of prioritizing animal welfare in times of crisis.
