Earthquake alert

The people in general lack knowledge about earthquakes and have little idea about they have to do during earthquake

According to a new study by the Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET) about 70 per cent of high-rise buildings in the port city will collapse if an earthquake of 7-8 magnitude on the Richter scale hits the port city. This is an alarming news as there are reasons to believe that Bangladesh is not fully prepared for such a disaster, particularly given that several heavily inhabited areas lie along earthquake fault lines? The chaotic manner in which thousands of people tumble out of their homes and offices whenever there is an earthquake provides a clue. Nowhere have we observed any building evacuation plans in evidence. The various strategies supposedly prepared by disaster management authorities have hardly been disseminated among the public, and it is quite clear that many of our urban areas would present an apocalyptic picture if struck by an earthquake.
The threat of an earthquake is very real.  Reports show that a significant number of the skyscrapers of the urban centres of the country are unplanned and foundations of the majority of buildings are sub-standard. Dhaka, Chittagong and other urban areas in general are spreading at a rapid and unplanned rate. This obviously leads to vulnerability to seismic events because service delivery is not keeping pace with the growth. 
It is well nigh impossible to predict earthquakes and these cannot be prevented from occurring. However different measures can be taken to ensure prompt and best possible rescue effort. Building code and rules must be applicable for all construction work done by both public and private organisations. Currently, buildings that are in accordance with the National Building Code are able to withstand earthquakes of the magnitude of seven on the Richter scale. The government should implement awareness development programmes. Earthquake shelters should be built.
Bangladesh is internationally recognised for its proactive programmes aimed at addressing the risk of cyclone and flood. The country has achieved much in cyclone preparedness and flood management leading to saved lives, reduced economic loss, and protection of development gains. Consequently Bangladesh is often cited as an example of disaster risk management internationally. Unfortunately earthquake disaster preparedness is far from satisfactory. If the country is to avert a human tragedy of epic proportions the time to act is now. 

 

Earthquake alert

The people in general lack knowledge about earthquakes and have little idea about they have to do during earthquake

According to a new study by the Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET) about 70 per cent of high-rise buildings in the port city will collapse if an earthquake of 7-8 magnitude on the Richter scale hits the port city. This is an alarming news as there are reasons to believe that Bangladesh is not fully prepared for such a disaster, particularly given that several heavily inhabited areas lie along earthquake fault lines? The chaotic manner in which thousands of people tumble out of their homes and offices whenever there is an earthquake provides a clue. Nowhere have we observed any building evacuation plans in evidence. The various strategies supposedly prepared by disaster management authorities have hardly been disseminated among the public, and it is quite clear that many of our urban areas would present an apocalyptic picture if struck by an earthquake. The threat of an earthquake is very real. Reports show that a significant number of the skyscrapers of the urban centres of the country are unplanned and foundations of the majority of buildings are sub-standard. Dhaka, Chittagong and other urban areas in general are spreading at a rapid and unplanned rate. This obviously leads to vulnerability to seismic events because service delivery is not keeping pace with the growth. It is well nigh impossible to predict earthquakes and these cannot be prevented from occurring. However different measures can be taken to ensure prompt and best possible rescue effort. Building code and rules must be applicable for all construction work done by both public and private organisations. Currently, buildings that are in accordance with the National Building Code are able to withstand earthquakes of the magnitude of seven on the Richter scale. The government should implement awareness development programmes. Earthquake shelters should be built. Bangladesh is internationally recognised for its proactive programmes aimed at addressing the risk of cyclone and flood. The country has achieved much in cyclone preparedness and flood management leading to saved lives, reduced economic loss, and protection of development gains. Consequently Bangladesh is often cited as an example of disaster risk management internationally. Unfortunately earthquake disaster preparedness is far from satisfactory. If the country is to avert a human tragedy of epic proportions the time to act is now.