Several earthquakes on Saturday and Sunday jolted different parts of Sylhet, reminding us of the need to be prepared for a larger one that can strike any time.
Reportedly, four moderate earthquakes jolted different parts of Sylhet on Saturday within a span of three and a half hours while another felt on Sunday early morning. Fortunately, there were no reports of any casualty or damage to property.
The five earthquakes have created panic among the people of Sylhet as experts are suspecting that these are mild tremors ahead of a big one. Apart from Sylhet, capital Dhaka and port city Chattogram area also highly vulnerable to earthquake, experts say.
Many buildings of the big cities have become dangerous for dwelling due to poor constructions as these were constructed flouting the rules. As the earthquakes cannot be predicted, we think the government in association with the experts should devise necessary measures to ensure effective services in emergency situations.
The government in association with the experts
should devise necessary measures to ensure
effective services in emergency situations
The government and different non-government organisations will also have to build strong awareness among the people about how and in what way they can save their lives if the earthquake hit their locality.
Experts assert that the violation of building codes and defiance of safety issues during the construction of high-rises put thousands of people's lives at risk. With so many vulnerable buildings in these cities including capital Dhaka we fear that many people may die if a strong earthquake hits them.
The government will have to achieve good progress in earthquake preparedness in this regard. Apart from these, the government agencies, including Rajuk must take necessary initiatives to stop the construction of risky buildings as well as retrofit or remove the old risky buildings.
However, as recurrent tremors of small magnitudes indicate a bigger earthquake the government will have to take defensive measures alongside building awareness.
