Govt identifies 445 earthquake safe shelters across Dhaka: Minister
The identified shelters include 256 locations under Dhaka South City Corporation and 189 under Dhaka North City Corporation
The government has identified some 445 earthquake safe shelters across the capital as part of its preparedness measures to reduce risks from earthquakes and other urban disasters, said Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu in parliament today (23 June).
Replying to a tabled question from ruling party lawmaker Md Selimuzzaman Molla of Gopalganj-1 constituency in the House, the minister said a proposal has been sent to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) seeking formal declaration of the designated shelters.
According to the minister, the identified shelters include 256 locations under Dhaka South City Corporation and 189 under Dhaka North City Corporation, bringing the total to 445.
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Dulu said the government is also preparing a coordinated volunteer database with the goal of mobilising some 100,000 volunteers in Dhaka metropolitan area and its adjoining regions in the event of a major disaster.
He said information on volunteers working under various government and non-government organisations is being collected to create the database and strengthen emergency response capacity.
The minister further said monitoring and rapid dissemination of information related to earthquakes and tsunamis have been enhanced through coordination among the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, the Geological Survey of Bangladesh and other relevant agencies.
Highlighting the country's vulnerability, Dulu said Bangladesh is located close to earthquake- and tsunami-prone regions, prompting the government to place the highest priority on preparedness and risk-reduction measures.
He added that the government is continuing various initiatives to strengthen disaster resilience, including emphasising compliance with the Bangladesh National Building Code in the construction of earthquake-resistant infrastructure.
The minister said these measures form part of a broader strategy to improve disaster preparedness, minimise risks and protect lives and property from potential seismic events.
