Speakers highlight urgency to strengthen earthquake preparedness

 A national workshop titled "Strengthening Multi-Hazard Preparedness: Focus on Earthquake and Urban Resilience" was held today, 21 May, 2025, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Department of Disaster Management (DDM), at the BIAM Auditorium.

Located at the intersection of three tectonic plates, Bangladesh is highly vulnerable to earthquakes. Potentially huge financial losses and significant human casualties have been estimated. Despite progress in flood and cyclone management, earthquake preparedness remains limited.

Razwanur Rahman, Director General, Department of Disaster Management and Chair of the workshop, stressed the scale of the challenge. "A 7.5 magnitude earthquake could generate over 31 million tons of debris and severely disrupt critical services. Strengthening volunteer networks beyond urban centres and enhancing interagency coordination are essential for an effective response."

Highlighting UNDP's decade-long partnership with the government, Sonali Dayaratne, Resident Representative a.i., UNDP Bangladesh, said, "UNDP's Training, Exercise, and Drills (TED) Programme under the Urban Resilience Project (URP) has trained thousands of officials and advanced Bangladesh's efforts toward International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) accreditation for Urban Search and Rescue. We must focus on implementation, building resilient institutions and communities ready to face disaster risks."

Faruk E Azam, Bir Protik, Hon'ble Adviser, Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief and Chief Guest, stressed, "The challenge before us is immense. We must accelerate from policy to practical action through updating emergency plans, procuring critical equipment, seeking innovative solutions and enforcing building codes to reduce vulnerabilities in rapidly urbanising areas."

Highlighting institutional efforts, Md Mostafizur Rahman, Secretary, Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, said, "We are revising Standard Operating Procedures and expanding volunteer training to improve response readiness. Multi-agency coordination is key to building an effective, life-saving disaster management system."

The workshop featured expert insights from Professor Dr. Raquib Ahsan (BUET), who emphasised that earthquake preparedness must address related risks, such as fire and flooding, ensure building safety compliance, and strengthen rescue teams and emergency plans. Participants in a technical session emphasised the importance of volunteer training and building expertise to respond effectively during crises and aftershocks, among several other key aspects. Representatives from Academia, Government offices, Development partners, UN agencies, NGOs, and INGOs exchanged expert opinions at the workshop. UNDP and government agencies reaffirmed their commitment to expanding training, enhancing early warning systems, and institutionalising preparedness to protect lives and development progress.