Concluding Part
Two had the epicenter (Srimongal Earthquake of 1918 and Bengal Earthquake of 1885)inside the country. Analysis and study of past earthquake epicenters show, Dhaka has crossed over 130 years, Chittagong over 250 years and Sylhet about 100 years, which increased the potential of strong earthquake in the area. Extended silence of potential earthquake (seismic gap) along the region has increased the likelihood of occurring strong earthquake. According to a seismic zoning map prepared by the BUET, 43% areas in Bangladesh is classified as high risk, 41% as moderate and 16% low. The area of Bangladesh has been divided into three seismic Zones for seismic design considerations of structures.Zone-1, Mymensingh-Sylhet is with the likely magnitude of 7 on Richter Scale. Zone-2,Dhaka-Comilla-Chattogram and Tangail are with the likely magnitude of 6 on Richter Scale. Zone-3,remaining areas of the country is with magnitude of Richter scale 6.This complex geological setting makes Bangladesh one of the most seismically active and vulnerable regions in South Asia.
The risk is further amplified by rapid and unplanned urbanization. Cities like Dhaka, Chittagong and Sylhet are booming in high rise construction of residential and commercial buildings often without proper engineering standards or earthquake silent designs. Infrastructures of Bangladesh faces critical seismic susceptibility due to poor construction practices and workmanship, deficient construction material standards and often nonconformity of structural design with the Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC 2020). Nonconformity structural design includes, inadequate or no shear walls and insufficient moment resisting frames which render buildings prone to failure during high magnitude events. Dhaka's population density (47,400/km²) deepens this risk, where even a magnitude 6.0 Richter Scale earthquake could trigger catastrophic casualties. Bengal Basin's alluvial sediments increase potential of high liquefaction and amplify seismic wave factors. Readiness and awareness among government concern agencies and the public remain usually inadequate. Efforts to enforce building codes and train rescue teams are often limited. Numerous old buildings, schools and hospitals are still not retrofitted to withstand earthquakes. The lacking in suitable land use planning and emergency response systems further worsens the hazard. Earthquake preparedness need to be prioritized as a national emergency issue.
Earthquake Preparedness: A National Priority: Earthquakes cannot be prevented. The growing potential of a high magnitude quake mandate urgent national attention. It is critical to enhance efforts for earthquake risk reduction. Experts emphasized on the significance of organizing efforts according to their specific roles in each phase of disaster management to ensure effective and synchronized response. In pre-earthquake phase preparedness, mitigation and prevention should be the prime focus confirming communities, buildings and infrastructure are better prepared to withstand seismic wave. Ensuing a disaster, the immediate rescue and relief operations to become the priority including the delivery of provisional shelters for affected people for up to three months. A continuing inclusive recovery strategy of minimum three years must fit in for infrastructure rebuilding with community restoration programs to restore critical services and to establish seismically resilient urban frameworks.
Civil Military collaboration can enhance effective disaster response by integrating logistical expertise, discipline and rapid mobilization capabilities of armed forces with civil authorities' understanding of local knowledge, community network and infrastructure. Critical success factors include inter-operable communication, training drills simulation in multi risk scenarios, cohesion and a hybrid command hierarchy that integrates military operational precision with civilian governance frameworks. The synergy by pre-established protocols for resource sharing, rescue operations and medical support are essential. Public awareness campaigns should comprise both civil and military institutions for better community engagement. It necessitates joint planning, preparedness, post-disaster recovery efforts and civil-military cooperation to minimize the loss of life, property and to ensure efficient relief distribution.
Earthquake risk reduction requires strict enforcement of building codes, regular safety drills by concern authorities, updated early warning and efficient communication systems. Potential damage can be significantly minimized by enhancing public awareness on earthquake safety and ensuring strict regulation of construction practices. Bangladesh will remain highly vulnerable to severe human casualties and widespread economic loss to potential earthquake without prompt and coordinated efforts.
Though, Bangladesh is positioned in a high-risk seismic zone, she has great potential to strengthen her resilience by coordinated preparedness and practical planning. Bangladesh can certainly minimize the risks associated with earthquakes by increasing awareness among citizens and joint efforts from all concern authorities. Harmonization and synergy among the ministries of finance, health, food and disaster management, housing and NGOs can greatly enhance the preparedness of the nation. Bangladesh can ensure a faster and more effective response to emergencies by strengthening facilities such as modern fire and civil defense services, well-equipped hospitals, efficient ambulance networks and rescue equipment. Public awareness through television, radio, newspapers and social media can increase response of citizens with knowledge, safety measures and emergency response. Bangladesh can transform its vulnerability into strength with proper application of the national building code, regulatory oversight, community engagement and capacity building. Joint efforts from the government organs, armed forces, professionals and citizens will prepare the nation to face future challenges with confidence.
The writer is an army officer currently serving in the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB). He is also a member of the Institute of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB)
