The New Nation - Internet Edition

ANOTHER earthquake jolted the country on Saturday. According to media report the earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale with its epicentre located 290 kilometres north-northwest of Dhaka shook four northern districts. The tremor lasted five seconds. About 30 buildings have developed cracks and a six-storeyed building has tilted. This is a mild earthquake that the country experiences from time to time. An increased frequency of tremors has been observed during the recent past. The southeastern region of the country was jolted several times during the period. Some experts see these tendencies as indications of stronger quakes.

Bangladesh is located in an active earthquake zone. On the basis of distribution of earthquake epicentres and behaviour of different tectonic blocks the country has been divided into three generalised seismic zones. The northeastern folded regions are seismically the most active. Out of 18 major earthquakes since 1548 these zones were jolted at least 11 times. Some of those tremors had crossed 8 in the Richter scale.

The Great India Earthquake at Shillong Plateau in June 1897 reached a magnitude of 8.7 claiming at least 545 lives in Sylhet town. The Barind, Modhupur and Moynamoti blocks and the adjoining areas make up the less risk zones while the southwest region the quiet or the least quake prone area. Major earthquakes in the country cannot be ruled out.

Experts opine that, though Bangladesh is at a high risk of earthquakes due to its geographic location, the country is not ready to combat such disasters. Buildings with high risks should be identified and demolished or propped up as is applicable. Experts suggest launching of massive earthquake awareness campaign, retrofitting existing buildings, strengthening building inspection system, proper implementation of building code and training for the masons, architects and engineers for facing earthquake.