ABOUT eight mild earthquakes jolted densely populated Bangladesh’s northeastern Sylhet region on Saturday and Sunday, leaving the people panicked and running out to streets to avoid casualties. Experts, say it could be a warning sign of a major tremor as the country sits at the juncture of three tectonic plates: the Indian plate to the west and southwest, the Tibet sub-plate to the north and northeast, and the Burma plate to the east. Moreover, the plate boundary between India and Burma passes through Bangladesh and these tectonic blocks were also responsible for many earthquakes in the past.
When we are trying our best to reach the status of middle-income country, an earthquake of magnitude of 7 or above can shatter our dream, prevent us from achieving the sustainable development goals and slow down growth. That may also result in widespread damage and loss to thousands of lives and property. But Bangladesh, according to experts, is ill prepared to tackle the aftermath of any strong earthquake.
A six-stored residential building was found tilted in Sylhet city’s Ponitula area after the latest earthquakes. The Sylhet City Corporation has started inspecting vulnerable buildings in the city and is giving the building owners different instructions. The corporation also ordered six shopping complexes — Madhuban Market, Mitali Mansion, City Super Market, Raja Mansion, Surma Market and Samobai Bhaban — to remain closed for 10 days as these are considered risky.
According to experts, Dauki Fault Line is a major fault along the southern boundary of the Shillong Plateau that may be a source of destructive seismic hazards for the adjoining areas, including Bangladesh. This is a 300km fault line stretching from south of the Shillong Plateau, highland region in eastern Meghalaya State of northeastern India, to the northern border of Bangladesh’s Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions.
Overall, the general consensus is that rapid urbanisation of Bangladesh has created a greater vulnerability to seismic events because urban planning and preparedness of the essential services have not been at par with the risks. Besides, faulty structures of buildings are also causes to major human tragedy during tremors. The government must identity risky buildings across the country and gradually demolish those. Alongside this a strong awareness campaign should be organised to equip people with the knowledge to minimise casualties and loss of property in the event of a major quake. Periodic earthquake drills should also be organised to help people deal with emergencies.
