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Is earthquake-prone Bangladesh prepped to face consequences? 

Published : Wednesday, 5 February, 2025 at 12:00 AM  Count : 332
An earthquake is usually a case where the soil or land shakes for a few seconds. This is a natural disaster. Earthquakes, among natural disasters, are capable of causing the most damage in the shortest time. Recently, several small earthquakes have been felt in Bangladesh and its surrounding areas. It is a relief that no harm has been reported in the country due to the earthquake.  

However, there is no reason for relief, as such events are occurring repeatedly within a month. While ordinary people may see it as a temporary event, experts believe that such earthquakes could be an early warning of a more significant one in the future. Therefore, we should remain vigilant and prepare. But if we don't take heed, we may find ourselves unprepared. Earthquakes are a disaster that is very difficult to predict. Nature is warning us again and again, yet we remain careless. As a result, the fear of severe damage is looming over us.  

Various international surveys and studies have shown that Bangladesh is located in an earthquake-prone region, where the possibility of major earthquakes always exists. Bangladesh lies at the intersection of the Indian, Eurasian, and Burma tectonic plates. Geological experts have identified the region as a "seismic zone," which is extremely risky. According to the UNDP and the Bangladesh Geological Survey Directorate, the risk of earthquakes is highest in Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet, and Mymensingh. According to a survey, 5% of the buildings in Dhaka city are not earthquake-resistant.  

The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the International Geological Report state that at least 2,000 buildings will collapse if a magnitude 6.5 earthquake occurs in Dhaka city. At least 200,000 people could be killed, and 100 million people may suffer damage. The tectonic pressure below the earth is gradually accumulating through small earthquakes or micro-seismic activity. The energy that is stored is partially released through small earthquakes; however, it does not reduce the risk of a big earthquake. Earthquake studies have shown that there has been no major earthquake in the region since the 9th earthquake. As a result, the risk of a major earthquake has accumulated beneath the surface. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), such small earthquakes could be an indicator of a larger earthquake. A similar small earthquake was felt before the earthquake in Nepal in 2015.  

According to scientists, the small earthquakes that have occurred in Bangladesh are similar to the warnings of a major catastrophe. Bangladesh is located on an active fault line, and unplanned urbanization, dense population, and weak building structures have increased the risk of earthquakes. The number of skyscrapers is increasing day by day in the major cities of the country, including the capital. Such large structures in small areas increase the risk of earthquakes and the extent of the damage. Not only that, buildings are being constructed without complying with the building codes. Many buildings could collapse even with a small amount of vibration.  

An earthquake is a natural disaster that cannot be prevented. In this situation, there is no solution other than raising awareness and taking precautionary measures. Especially while there is still time, we need to prepare for this. Although Bangladesh has made progress in dealing with various natural disasters, we cannot deny that we have significant deficiencies in earthquake preparedness. If proper preparations are made, the damage caused by an earthquake can be minimized, so increasing public awareness is crucial.  

Additionally, the Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC) has been created. However, it has not been implemented effectively. Earthquake-tolerant design should be made compulsory for the construction of new buildings. If necessary, authorities should monitor whether houses are being built in compliance with the building code. Seismic stations need to be increased with advanced technology. Earthquake research should be enhanced in collaboration with local and international research institutes. The necessary initiatives taken abroad to prevent and deal with earthquakes should be adopted here, and education can be provided from the projective service. Civil defense personnel should be trained to use sophisticated technology and provide emergency services during rescue operations. The Disaster Management Department should conduct various awareness activities, and the public should be informed about earthquakes.  

Each region should have adequately constructed and prepared shelter centers in advance. The younger generation and communities should play an important role in earthquake preparedness. Volunteer groups can organize voluntary activities for the welfare of the people by forming a volunteer force. New architects and engineers can play a role in earthquake-resistant construction. Small earthquakes act as a kind of warning. Ignoring them means facing a major catastrophe in the future. Government, private, semi-government, social worker organizations, and the general public can all work together to reduce the potential damage from an earthquake.  

In addition to government initiatives, the younger generation must play a conscious and active role. If proper planning and effective steps are not taken, a major earthquake in the future may be catastrophic for the country. The initiative must be taken now, so that this major disaster can be dealt with.  

The writer is a student in the Department of Economics, Eden Mohila College


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