📷 Sharif Khiam Ahmed

Newsman, Bangladesh

Following the recent devastating earthquake in neighboring Myanmar, Bangladesh’s authorities are on high alert, underlining the urgent need to address the nation’s seismic vulnerability.

According to a The Daily Star news report, the Fire Service and Civil Defence Directorate has issued an official warning, identifying Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet, and Mymensingh as potentially at risk of experiencing strong tremors.

Updated reports reveal that the Myanmar earthquake caused extensive infrastructural damage and numerous casualties. The quake disrupted Thailand, and buildings in affected areas were damaged.

These events have amplified concerns about Bangladesh’s vulnerability, given its tectonic setting. A TBS News article details that the Fire Service has taken a firm stand on preparedness.

“We are on high alert and urge immediate precautionary measures to safeguard lives and property,” said a Fire Service spokesperson—an exact statement echoed in the official alert.

The directive calls for adherence to updated building codes and regular disaster drills to ensure public and infrastructural safety.

In a separate TBS News report, local authorities stressed Dhaka is preparing for a potential earthquake exceeding 7. Measures include reinforcing structures and emergency response systems as part of a broader initiative to mitigate the effects of any future seismic events.

Adding context to these urgent precautions, an opinion piece from The Daily Star questions whether Bangladesh is genuinely prepared for a major earthquake, noting that the country has not experienced a significant quake in recent decades.

Further emphasizing the broader regional context, a Dhaka Tribune report notes that Bangladesh’s seismic risks mirror those in Myanmar and Thailand.

While updated damage figures from Myanmar and Thailand highlight the severe impact of recent tremors, experts stress that Bangladesh’s long period of relative seismic calm—its last major earthquake that occurred decades ago—has contributed to a certain degree of unpreparedness.

Bangladesh’s geographical position along the boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates renders it susceptible to earthquakes.

According to Wikipedia, the country has historically experienced significant seismic events, including the 1918 Srimangal earthquake, which had a magnitude of 7.6, and the 1762 Arakan earthquake, which was estimated to have been between 8.5 and 8.8. Both caused widespread damage and loss of life. ​

With lessons drawn from regional seismic events, Bangladeshi officials call on all stakeholders to review and update safety protocols, ensuring that lessons from Myanmar translate into more potent, more resilient practices at home.

Additionally, they have called for renovating and strengthening older, vulnerable structures to withstand potential tremors. The Fire Service recommends regular earthquake drills, displaying emergency contact numbers, and training volunteers in disaster response to enhance preparedness.

They also stress the importance of securing utility service lines, such as gas, water, and electricity, to prevent secondary disasters during seismic events. The Fire Service’s alert serves as a crucial reminder for citizens and authorities to prioritize earthquake preparedness, underscoring its importance.

Implementing stringent building codes, conducting regular safety drills, and ensuring the structural integrity of infrastructure are essential steps to mitigate the potential impact of future seismic events.​

Individuals are encouraged to consult resources provided by the Fire Service and other relevant authorities for comprehensive earthquake preparedness and safety measures guidelines.

For further details, readers are encouraged to read the complete reports from The Daily Star, TBS News, and  Dhaka Tribune.