Southeast Chattogram, northeastern Sylhet, and Mymensingh in the center-north and central region comprising greater Dhaka are at a higher risk of experiencing a major earthquake, while a severe tremor shook Thailand and devastated neighboring Myanmar, according to a statement from the fire service.
“Particularly Chattogram, Sylhet, Mymensign and Dhaka regions are purview of higher risk (of earthquakes),” read the fire service and civil defence directorate statement issued against the backdrop of the tremor of magnitude 7.7 centred in the Sagaing region near the Myanmar city of Mandalay.
The state-run recue operator simultaneously issued a nine-point directorate to be followed as precautionary measures to minimize damage to be caused by possible quakes with the first one calling for construction of earthquake-resistant buildings in line with Bangladesh National Building Code 2020.
At the same time, the fire department emphasized the necessity of strengthening or retrofitting aging and susceptible structures, stepping up fire protection measures at all commercial and high-rise buildings, and making sure that safety precautions were taken with regard to gas, water, and electricity line connection systems.
The fifth command point called on individuals and institutions to regularly conduct exercises and drills that will be conducted during real earthquakes.
It recommended that residences and workplaces prominently display emergency contact numbers, such as those of the police, fire department, ambulance, and hospitals.
The fire service called upon people to go through volunteer training to play an active role during disasters.
It advised all residents to store essential emergency supplies, including torches, radios with extra batteries, whistles, hammers, helmets or cushions, dry food, clean water, medicines, first-aid kits, and baby care items, in a designated area at home.
The fire service called for collective efforts to strengthen earthquake preparedness and urged people to report any emergencies to its media cell at 01722856867, hotline 102, or through its official website.
According to the Earthquake Disaster Risk Index, Dhaka tops the list of the 20 most vulnerable cities globally.
Two powerful earthquakes, measuring 7.7 and 6.4 on the Richter scale, hit various regions of Myanmar and Thailand yesterday, causing significant damage.
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