Editorial
Seismic tremors
Signal that we must take note of
The earthquakes of moderate intensity on the night before Eid day and into the following day, are the latest reminders of a bigger quake that might strike us any day. Thankfully, the joy of Eid was not marred by any report of casualty or damage to property. There were three tremors within 24 hours. Earthquake experts believe that these rather minor quakes could indeed be an indicator of a seismic howler of great magnitude coming our way.
Actually, the city of Dhaka is on the same tectonic plate as the Indian town of Bhuz which was battered by a major quake in January, 2001. What adds to our worries is that the cycle of occurrence of a bigger earthquake is put at between a 100 and 150 years. Without sounding alarmist, we are well past the 100-year mark since the last major seismic calamity occurred in this region. The dreadful fact is, we are not at all prepared to face a major earthquake, despite repeated warnings by experts. Of course, it cannot be prevented, nor can its time of occurrence be predicted, but adequate preparedness can help us reduce losses substantially.
Experts are telling us not to be scared, but people do not yet know what they will have to do in the event of a major earthquake. Indeed, the government must adopt some special mobilization measures to boost our earthquake preparedness. To begin with, the emphasis should be on strengthening and activating the civil defence system that must be responsive in quick time as the quake strikes. Rescue operations have to be launched on the basis of a plan and we need teams of trained operators to help the victims survive. So, a huge investment in this field is necessary. The whole salvation package must include the latest fire fighting arrangements, rubble haulers, rescue implements and well-equipped medical support system. The decision-makers cannot overlook the warning that there will be a humanitarian crisis of almost unmanageable proportions if most of the buildings in the city are flattened or badly damaged.
Regrettably, awareness building still remains a task far from accomplished. The building code is being violated and only a very small number of structures in the city are reinforced to absorb the shock of a major quake. Shockingly, most people are not even familiar with earthquake drill necessary for evacuation from an unsafe or damaged structure.
In the area of disaster management, especially in relation to cyclone and floods, Bangladesh has carved a name for itself; but earthquake being a new challenge we must not waste a day to get attuned to it and build up preparedness to face any eventuality.
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