By Mir Abdul Alim

Bangladesh is a seismically active country. In recent times, frequent earthquakes have caused panic among its citizens. The country's geographical location, population density, and weak infrastructure make it vulnerable to catastrophic damage in the event of a major earthquake. Experts point out that Bangladesh’s inadequate preparedness and unplanned urbanization have significantly increased the earthquake risk. Over the past 100 years, Bangladesh has experienced numerous minor and major earthquakes, serving as warnings for the future.

Why is Bangladesh Earthquake-Prone?

The primary reason for Bangladesh's earthquake-prone nature is its geographical location. The country lies at the junction of three major tectonic plates: the Indian Plate, the Eurasian Plate, and the Burma Plate. The collision and movement of these plates are the main causes of earthquakes. The regular movement and friction between these plates cause energy to accumulate in the Earth’s crust, which can trigger large-scale seismic activity.

Regions like Sylhet, Chattogram, and the Chittagong Hill Tracts are highly vulnerable to earthquakes due to their geological structure and hilly terrain, which increase the risk of landslides during seismic events. Dhaka, the capital city, is also at high risk as it is situated on a silty basin. In the event of an earthquake, the soil in this area could amplify the intensity of seismic waves, increasing the potential for destruction.

A Century of Earthquakes in Bangladesh

Over the past 100 years, Bangladesh has experienced several significant earthquakes, some of which have heightened concerns about a major seismic disaster:

1. The 1897 Shillong Earthquake (Magnitude 8.7):
Originating in Shillong, India, this earthquake had a significant impact on Bangladesh, particularly in Sylhet. It caused substantial damage and remains a key event in the seismic history of the region.

2. The 1918 Assam Earthquake (Magnitude 7.6):
This earthquake, originating in northeastern India, was strongly felt in Sylhet and other northern regions of Bangladesh.

3. The 1950 Assam-Tibet Earthquake (Magnitude 8.6):
Sylhet and Chattogram experienced severe tremors. While no significant damage occurred, it served as a warning for future disasters.

4. The 1988 Chattogram Earthquake (Magnitude 7.5):
This earthquake caused extensive damage in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, with many buildings collapsing and significant casualties reported.

5. The 2004 Sumatra-Andaman Earthquake (Magnitude 9.1):
Although it did not directly hit Bangladesh, this earthquake posed a tsunami threat to the country’s coastal areas.

6. The 2016 Myanmar Earthquake (Magnitude 6.8):
Felt across Bangladesh, including Dhaka, this earthquake caused widespread panic and structural damage.

Causes of Frequent Earthquakes

The frequent occurrence of earthquakes in Bangladesh is attributed to the movement of tectonic plates and the energy accumulation between them. Scientists warn that the region has not experienced a major earthquake for a long time, creating a “seismic gap.” This gap indicates that significant energy is building up, which could potentially result in a devastating earthquake in the future.

How Prepared is Bangladesh for a Major Earthquake?

Bangladesh's preparedness for a major earthquake is alarmingly insufficient. Several factors contribute to this lack of readiness:

1. Weak Infrastructure:
In cities like Dhaka, building codes are often ignored. The large number of old and poorly constructed buildings increases the risk of collapse during an earthquake.

2. Inadequate Rescue Equipment:
Agencies such as the Fire Service and Civil Defense are tasked with disaster management, but their equipment and technology are insufficient to handle a large-scale earthquake.

3. High Population Density:
As one of the most densely populated countries in the world, Bangladesh faces a high risk of massive casualties during an earthquake.

4. Weak Emergency Services:
The country lacks the capacity to provide adequate medical care, shelter, and food in the aftermath of a major earthquake.

5. Lack of Awareness:
Most people in Bangladesh are unaware of the appropriate measures to take during an earthquake, increasing the risk of casualties and property damage.

Measures to Reduce Earthquake Risks

To mitigate earthquake risks, effective measures must be taken:

1. Strict Enforcement of Building Codes:
Building codes should be strictly enforced for new constructions. Older buildings must be assessed for risk and retrofitted or reconstructed if necessary.

2. Seismic Mapping:
A comprehensive seismic risk map of the entire country should be developed to aid in planning and preparedness.

3. Training for Rescue Workers:
Organizations like the Fire Service, Civil Defense, and the military should be equipped with modern tools and trained to respond to earthquake-related disasters.

4. Awareness Campaigns:
Earthquake preparedness training should be conducted at schools, colleges, and community levels.

5. Emergency Planning:
A national emergency plan must be in place to manage the aftermath of a major earthquake effectively.

Conclusion

Bangladesh is highly vulnerable to earthquakes, and the impact of a major seismic event could be catastrophic. It is crucial to learn from past experiences and take proactive measures to enhance preparedness. Proper planning, the adoption of technology, and increased public awareness can significantly reduce the devastating effects of earthquakes. While preventing earthquakes is impossible, their damage can be minimized through timely and effective actions.

The writer is a, Journalist, Social Researcher General Secretary, Columnist Forum of Bangladesh