Is Dhaka prepared for a major earthquake?

Having experienced two earthquakes in the span of a single week, people often ask the eternal question: Are we taking this silent threat seriously enough?

Fortunately, this time, neither of the two earthquakes (one on January 3 with a moderate magnitude of 5 that originated in Myanmar and another this morning with a magnitude of 7.1 that originated in Tibet) were close enough to to affect us.

This morning’s earthquake was centered near the Nepal-Tibet border and reportedly killed 95 people. Dhaka residents woke up to tremors this morning. Many would prefer to be content with the idea that earthquakes do not concern them.

But experts say Dhaka sits precariously on a seismic time bomb.

Research indicates that the Indo-Burma subduction zone, encompassing Sylhet and Chattogram, is building up stresses capable of generating a significant seismic event. It could release energy of up to 8 magnitudes.

Another very active seismic zone is the Dauki fault, which has been associated with several large earthquakes. It is believed to have ruptured three times in the last millennium, with major events occurring in 840, 920 and 1548 and possibly the Assam earthquake of 1897, which had a magnitude of 8 or more.

Small earthquakes occur periodically in this region. A total of 550 earthquakes with a magnitude of 4 or higher have occurred within 300 kilometers (186 mi) of Bangladesh in the past 10 years. This boils down to an annual average of 55 earthquakes per year, or 4 per month. On average, there are earthquakes near Bangladesh every 6 days.

Experts say these small seismic events can be a warning sign of a larger earthquake in regions with active faults, such as the Dauki fault or the Indo-Burma subduction zone.

In 1897, the Great Assam Earthquake shook the Indian subcontinent and reached parts of Dhaka. More than a century later, experts warn that the region should already suffer another seismic event, one that could have devastating consequences for the city’s 22 million residents.

As one of the most densely populated cities in the world, Dhaka is alarmingly ill-prepared to deal with a seismic disaster.

While minor tremors have been felt over the years, the city’s collective response has been nothing more than a passing concern. It’s no longer a question of what will happen, Yeah an earthquake hits but when hits.

With dense urbanization and poorly enforced building codes, the city is at risk of catastrophic damage in the event of a major earthquake.

Dhaka is more vulnerable to earthquakes due to its geological location and human and economic exposure.

According to the earthquake disaster risk index, Dhaka tops the list of the 20 most vulnerable cities in the world.

Even though Bangladesh achieved notable success in disaster management, especially in managing events like cyclones and floods. The scenario would be different in the event of a catastrophe in Dhaka and requires significant government attention.

Experts say the government should implement extensive mass awareness programs among citizens with regular earthquake drills, educating children about natural disasters using digital platforms, training volunteers and forming a coordination platform with government and non-government agencies. for rescue operations.

Also as part of long-term measures, the government must enforce the proper implementation of the National Building Code. If necessary, this code should be updated incorporating an appropriate implementation plan.

We can no longer afford to be complacent. The risk grows with every day we delay it. Earthquake drills, stricter building codes, and public awareness campaigns are no longer optional—they are a necessity.

The time to prepare is now, before it is too late.