Bangladesh vulnerable to earthquake

Due to its geographic location, Bangladesh is vulnerable to earthquake and colossal damages of lives and properties may be occurred if the country faces an earthquake measuring five to six on the Richter scale, they said.

Uncontrolled urbanisation and over population put Bangladesh at high risk of earthquake , they added.

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Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Chowdhury Kamal Ibne Yusuf attended the inaugural function organised by the ministry with the help of European Mission Team at a city hotel as the chief guest.

E. Kentrschynskyj and Hans Rhein of EU Delegation in Bangladesh and Dr. John M Reynolds, team leader of Identification Mission spoke at the inaugurals session with AHM Shamsul Islam, Director General of Disaster Management Bureau (DMB) in the chair.

The minister said the government has undertaken various earthquake preparedness measures to mitigate the sufferings of the people and reduce loss of lives and properties.

We are providing training to all concerned and creating awareness among the people to face such disaster, he added.

Citing expert opinion, he said Bangladesh is situated on the earthquake zone and any colossal damage may occurred if the country faces a moderate intensity earthquake. The country experienced at least 50 mild tremors last year with fear of another major earthquake, he added.

He said old and unplanned building construction in the capital city especially in the old part of Dhaka will lead damages of lives and properties in earthquake.

He said the government has taken a Comprehensive Disaster Management Policy (CDMP) for earthquake preparedness and mitigation.

He sought cooperation from the development partners specially the European Commission (EU) to provide all out support in this regard.

A total of 40 representatives from the government organisations including Army, Navy, Air force, BDR, Fire Service, Civil Defence, Red Crescent Society, NGOs, and development partners are participating in the workshop.