Dhaka, April 9 (BDNEWS) – Bangladesh is in danger of devastating earthquakes. But there are not adequate preparations to deal with the pre and post-earthquake scenario. As a result, a high magnitude earthquake can seriously damage a large part of the country.
Experts Saturday suggested, under the circumstances Bangladesh should join tsunami warning system of India.
The speakers expressed the opinion at a seminar Saturday organised by 'National Oceanography And Maritime Institute (NOAMI)'.
The seminar entitled 'Earthquake and Tsunami : Risks of Bangladesh and Methodology of Overcoming them' was held at the auditorium of the Atomic Energy Commission. It was presided over by NOAMI chairman Dr AAZ Ahmad. The key note paper was presented by BRAC University VC Prof Dr Jamilur Reja Chowdhury.
University Grants Commission member Prof Monirul Haque, Professor of Geology Department of Dhaka University Akhtar Alam Khan, BUET teacher Mehedi Ahmed Ansari, Professor Mir Fazlul Karim of Geological Survey took part in the discussion.
In the key note paper Prof Chowdhury said, "Most of Bangladeshi houses are built without the assistance of architects. Besides the 'Building Code' is not being followed in various parts of the country including Dhaka. It will create risks during earthquakes. Moreover the houses of Old Dhaka were built in an unplanned way. If there is a high magnitude earthquake, this area may suffer extensive damage."
He also said, "In order to overcome this situation, people's awareness should be created and the building code should be followed."
In his speech Prof Monirul Haque called for the mapping of earthquake-prone areas. He said, "The current map is outdated."
Prof Akhtar Alam Khan identified Sylhet as very earthquake-prone. He said, "The phenomenon of December 26 was a devastating earthquake. If that was a tsunami, the phenomenon of March 28 was also a tsunami. But it could not take on the proportions of a tidal surge or cause extensive damage."
Prof Mehedi Ahmed Ansari said, "Four state-of-the-art machines will be set up to collect information on earthquakes and weather and to make forecasts."
BDNEWS/2012 hrs
