Seismograph in Barisal starts functioning
The lone seismograph in the country's southern region, installed on Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU) campus, started functioning yesterday, two years after its inauguration.
PSTU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Syed Shakhawat Hossain inaugurated functioning of the earthquake measurement device at 11:30am.
Under a Bangladesh-USA joint research project, this seismograph was installed at PSTU at a cost of Tk 75 lakh on May 27, 2008 when internationally distinguished geologist Oun Ywang Kin of Columbia University ceremonially installed the seismograph.
However, the seismograph remained virtually inoperative due to lack of a functional hand terminal device and problem in computer operation.
Following several reports in the media, project authorities took steps to make the seismograph functional.
Dr Syed Humayun Akter, professor of geology department of Dhaka University and director of the earthquake research project in Bangladesh, visited the seismograph at PSTU on September 20.
He handed over an alternative hand terminal device and spare parts for its repair.
Before a major earthquake or tsunami, there may be some minor jolts that could make us aware. Analysing the facts of these small earthquakes, an idea about the place and time of any severe earthquake can be obtained, Dr Akhter said.
There are six seismographs at permanent seismic centres in Dhaka, Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna, Patuakhali and Sylhet.
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