Steps taken to face risks of possible disasters: Minister
UNB
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan yesterday said the government has taken various measures to face risks of possible disasters, especially earthquake, reports UNB. The government has taken various initiatives to train up members of Fire Service and Civil Defence aiming to reduce the loss of lives and property, he said. The minister was addressing the inaugural session of an awareness and sensitising seminar on Earthquake Vulnerability, Preparedness and Way Forward: Bangladesh Context at Krishibid Institution auditorium in the capital. He also said members of Fire service and Civil Defence have already started providing in every neighbourhood to create volunteers as well as raise awareness among people about it so that they can learn how to face any major earthquake.
In his welcome speech, director general of Fire Service and Civil Defence Brig Gen Ali Ahmed Khan said to develop an earthquake resilient Dhaka city, the role of all stakeholders, including government and non-government organisations, regulatory bodies, town planners and construction companies are very important.
Besides, community participation through the enhancement of capacity by community volunteers is also proven effective for disaster management.
According to a recent study under comprehensive disaster management programme revealed that if an earthquake of 7.5 magnitude occurs in Dhaka city, a total of 3,00,000 buildings will be affected, out of those 70,000 buildings will go beyond their repairing condition. Senior Secretary of Home Affairs Dr Md Mozammel Haque Khan, Disaster Management Secretary Md Sha Kamal and Chairman of Crown Cement Md Jahangir Alam also spoke at the inaugural session.
