Bangladesh on alert after seismic shocks rattle Myanmar, Thailand

Chattogram, Sylhet, Mymensingh and Dhaka have been flagged as "high-risk" regions as authorities urge the public to take precautionary measures

The Department of Fire Service and Civil Defence has warned that Bangladesh faces the possibility of an earthquake similar in magnitude to the ones that ravaged Myanmar and Thailand.

In a statement on Saturday, the Fire Service urged the public to stay alert and take precautionary measures.

Two powerful earthquakes -- one measuring 7.7 in Myanmar and another 6.4 in Thailand -- caused significant damage in both countries on Friday. Latest reports put the death toll in Myanmar at 1,002 as foreign rescue teams began flying into the impoverished Southeast Asian nation to aid the search for survivors.

“There is a strong possibility that earthquakes of similar magnitude could occur in Bangladesh. In particular, the regions of Chattogram, Sylhet, Mymensingh, and Dhaka are at high risk,” the Fire Service said.

In light of this, the Fire Service recommended a series of safety and awareness measures at all levels.

KEY SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS MEASURES

- Construct earthquake-resistant buildings following the Bangladesh National Building Code 2020.

- Renovate and strengthen vulnerable and old buildings to withstand tremors.

- Reinforce fire protection systems in all high-rise and commercial buildings.

- Ensure the integrity and safety of utility lines, including gas, water, and electricity connections.

- Regularly conduct drills and awareness programmes in homes, offices and institutions to prepare people for emergency response.

- Keep emergency contact numbers -- such as those for the Fire Service, ambulances, police, hospitals, and other essential services -- visible and accessible in homes and buildings.

- Undergo volunteer training to contribute effectively during emergency situations.

- Store emergency supplies in a designated area at home, including torchlights, radios (with extra batteries), whistles, hammers, helmets, cushions, dry food, clean drinking water, essential medicines, first-aid kits, and childcare items. These items could be lifesaving if someone becomes trapped during or after an earthquake.

- Cooperate with supervisory and response agencies at all levels.

The Fire Service emphasised that it had already been actively engaging in preparedness initiatives and urged all citizens to take part in collective and proactive efforts to minimise damage in the event of a major earthquake.