Bangladesh at high earthquake risk, fire service issues alert

A powerful earthquake measuring 7.7 and an aftershock measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale recently struck different regions of Myanmar and Thailand.

In neighbouring Myanmar alone, over 1,000 deaths have been reported so far, with fears that the toll could rise significantly. 

In response, the department has issued urgent precautionary directives to minimize potential damage and loss of life. This information was shared in a press release on Saturday.

The statement highlighted that the Chittagong, Sylhet, Mymensingh, and Dhaka regions of Bangladesh are at high risk of earthquakes. In light of this, the Fire Service and Civil Defence Directorate has urged authorities at all levels to take preparatory measures and raise awareness to tackle potential disasters. Dhaka Tribune reported.

The Fire Service has stressed the need to construct earthquake-resistant buildings in accordance with the Bangladesh National Building Code 2020. It has also called for necessary steps to be taken to renovate and strengthen old and vulnerable buildings.

Furthermore, the department has urged all multi-storey and commercial buildings to enhance fire prevention systems. It has also emphasized ensuring the safety of utility service lines such as gas, water, and electricity.

Regular drills should be conducted at individual and institutional levels to educate people on appropriate actions during an earthquake.

Emergency contact numbers — including those of the Fire Service, ambulance services, police, hospitals, and other essential services — should be stored at both personal and institutional levels and displayed in visible locations.

To ensure an effective response during disasters, the Fire Service recommends volunteer training and the storage of emergency supplies in homes, including torches, radios (with extra batteries), whistles, hammers, helmets or cushions, dry food, clean drinking water, essential medicines, first aid kits, and baby care items.

These should be kept in designated locations within homes so they can be accessed in case of entrapment after an earthquake. Additionally, people are encouraged to cooperate with monitoring agencies at all levels.

The Fire Service and Civil Defence have already launched various initiatives to raise awareness and enhance preparedness. The department has called for collective efforts and vigilance to minimize the damage caused by a disaster as devastating as an earthquake.

For urgent information or assistance, the Fire Service and Civil Defence Directorate has advised people to contact their media cell (Mobile: 01722856867, Hotline: 102).