Major quake risk looms over Bangladesh, four regions at high risk, warns Fire Service

There is a risk of a major earthquake in Bangladesh, similar to the one that widely devastated Myanmar and rocked Thailand yesterday (28 March). Specifically, the regions of Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet, and Mymensingh are at high risk of an earthquake, according to the Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD) Directorate.

FSCD Directorate issued this warning in a press release this morning (29 March), after the powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake killed more than 1,000 people in Myanmar and caused significant casualties in Thailand.

The directorate urged the public and relevant stakeholders to take precautionary measures to reduce the impact of possible earthquakes.

Key recommended measures include:

Construction of Earthquake-Resistant Buildings: Adherence to the Bangladesh National Building Code (2020) for constructing earthquake-resistant structures.

Renovation and Strengthening of Vulnerable Buildings: Taking necessary steps to repair and reinforce old and at-risk buildings.

Strengthening Fire Prevention Systems: Reinforcing fire prevention systems in all multi-storey and commercial buildings.

Ensuring the Safety of Utility Services: Ensuring the integrity of utility lines such as gas, water, and electricity.

Regular Earthquake Drills and Awareness Campaigns: Organizing regular earthquake drills and awareness campaigns at individual and institutional levels to ensure preparedness.

Displaying Emergency Contact Numbers: Ensuring emergency phone numbers, such as those for fire services, ambulances, police, hospitals, and other critical services, are clearly displayed in public and private buildings.

Storing Essential Emergency Supplies: Keeping essential emergency items such as flashlights, radios (with spare batteries), whistles, hammers, helmets/cushions, non-perishable food, clean water, necessary medicines, first aid kits, and child care supplies at designated spots in homes.

Cooperating with Monitoring Agencies: Assisting relevant authorities in disaster monitoring and preparedness activities.