Bangladesh

The need for an effective preparedness plan including improved construction practices and mass awareness was stressed during a workshop organized by UNDP on the national response and preparedness plans and course of action during and after an earthquake.

While presenting the keynote paper on earthquake risks, vulnerabilities and preparedness in Bangladesh, Dr. ASM Maksud Kamal, an earthquake expert of Comprehensive Disaster Management Programme (CDMP) of UNDP, said Dhaka was one of world’s 20 cities exposed to maximum quake risks with most of its part being most vulnerable because of soft soil.

“Except for some of stronger red earth areas, the major part of Dhaka’s expanded development comprises the low-lying area with loose landfills,” he said, adding, “In an earthquake scenario, the red earth areas in central Dhaka may be able to sustain the shock, but the fringes of the capital will not be able to sustain.”

Mr. Kamal emphasised on the importance of strengthening the capacity of Fire Service and Civil Defence Department to reduce the loss of life from secondary causes in the aftermath of earthquake.

He also suggested the launching of massive awareness campaign, inclusion of chapters on disaster awareness and preparedness in text curricula, training for masons, bar binders and managers of critical infrastructure to reduce the consequence of the earthquake.