In the vast tapestry of Earth’s history, the ground beneath our feet has often trembled, reminding us of our planet’s dynamic nature. Earthquakes, the result of tectonic plates grinding against each other, are not just geological phenomena; they are harbingers of potential devastation, especially for nations like Bangladesh.
The Science Behind Earthquakes
At the heart of an earthquake lies the movement of tectonic plates. These vast sections of the Earth’s crust, when subjected to immense pressure, release energy in the form of seismic waves. Bangladesh’s unique position at the convergence of the Indian and Eurasian plates makes it particularly susceptible to these seismic activities. Moreover, its location near the world’s largest river delta, almost at sea level, exposes it to secondary threats like tsunamis and flooding post-earthquake.
Historical Context: A Warning from the Past
Historically, the subcontinent has been rocked by seismic fury. From the 8.1 magnitude quake in 1762 to the 8.7 magnitude tremor in 1918, the region has witnessed nature’s wrath. More recently, in 2021 and 2022, earthquakes of magnitudes 6.0 and 5.2 respectively, served as stark reminders of the imminent threats. The data from the Jaflong station, indicating tectonic motions, and the detection of over 300 small seismic events, further underscore the looming danger. The long intervals between significant quakes may lead to complacency, but the geological evidence suggests otherwise.
Policies and Institutions: A Mixed Bag
Recognizing the risks, the Bangladeshi government formulated the National Plan for Disaster Management (2021-2025). This plan offers a robust framework for earthquake preparedness. It emphasizes raising awareness, especially in the face of rapid urbanization. The plan prioritizes earthquake risk assessment, mapping for cities, and assessing current standards of earthquake preparedness. A significant directive is ensuring all new constructions comply with the Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC), emphasizing earthquake-resilient construction in high-risk areas. The plan also focuses on developing sectoral policies, reviewing the National Earthquake Contingency Plan, and establishing a national DRM network. Training initiatives for Urban Community Volunteers and conducting safety drills in schools and hospitals further enhance the community’s preparedness. The policy document is commendable in its breadth, addressing everything from infrastructure resilience to community-level preparedness. The proactive approach to updating and ensuring compliance with the BNBC is particularly noteworthy.
The real challenge lies in the practical application of these policies. With rapid urbanization, ensuring all new constructions, especially in informal settlements, adhering to the BNBC is a daunting task. As the document rightly points out, “the majority of new migrants in urban areas will live in informal settlements or inadequate housing.”
While the plan is comprehensive, there’s a noticeable absence of collaboration with international earthquake preparedness bodies. Given Bangladesh’s limited experience with major earthquakes, external expertise could be invaluable. Additionally, the potential economic impact, especially on vulnerable sectors like the garments industry, needs more emphasis. As the document states, “the garments sector incurs major losses in floods and is particularly at risk from earthquakes.”
Where We Stand
While the government’s efforts are commendable, the execution leaves much to be desired. Coordination between various agencies remains a challenge. The government’s investment in disaster preparedness, especially in vulnerable communities, is insufficient. Dhaka, with its non-engineered brick masonry buildings and unplanned designs, stands as a testament to the urgent need for improved urban planning and infrastructure development.
The People’s Perspective: Awareness and Preparedness
Despite the evident risks, a significant portion of Bangladesh’s population remains unaware or unprepared. The urgency to act is palpable, yet many remain oblivious to the potential dangers. This gap in awareness underscores the need for widespread education and training on earthquake preparedness.
Recommendations: The Path Forward
Enforce Existing Policies: It’s crucial to ensure that existing disaster management policies are not just on paper but are actively enforced.
Increase Funding: Allocate more funds for disaster preparedness, response efforts, and infrastructure development.
Capacity Building: Invest in training programs for institutions and individuals alike, ensuring they are equipped to handle large-scale disasters.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Launch nationwide campaigns to educate the public about earthquake risks and preparedness measures.
Strengthen Building Codes: Prioritize the development and enforcement of stringent building codes, especially in urban areas.
Invest in Seismic Monitoring: Enhance investments in seismic monitoring and early warning systems to provide timely alerts.
Collaboration with International Bodies: Engaging with countries or regions that have experienced major earthquakes can provide valuable insights into preparedness, response, and recovery strategies.
Regular Drills and Simulations: Conducting regular earthquake drills and simulations, especially in urban areas and critical facilities, can help in identifying gaps and ensuring that the population and authorities are prepared.
Infrastructure Audit: A thorough audit of existing infrastructure, especially in urban areas, to ensure compliance with the BNBC and identify buildings or structures at risk.
Community Engagement: Engaging with communities, especially in informal settlements, to raise awareness, provide training, and ensure they are equipped to respond to an earthquake.
Economic Safeguards: Implementing economic safeguards, such as insurance schemes, to support industries and sectors vulnerable to earthquakes.
In essence, by understanding the science, learning from history, critically analyzing our policies, and taking proactive measures, we can build a resilient future for Bangladesh. The stakes are high, but with determination and collaboration, a safer tomorrow is within reach.
Author: Mohammad Tosnimul Hassan
References:
Earthquake risk in Bangladesh: AMNH. American Museum of Natural History. (n.d.). https://www.amnh.org/learn-teach/curriculum-collections/earthquake-risk-in-bangladesh
Siddique, S., Sharmin, F. (2023). Seismic hazard maps of Bangladesh. Charui.
Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (2023). Earthquake risk management: Bangladesh perspective.
© 2023 DM WATCH LIMITED. All Rights Reserved
