In light of the recent devastating earthquake in Tibet that saw significant loss of life and destruction, we must collectively in Bangladesh, particularly Dhaka, reevaluate our earthquake preparedness strategies.
Dhaka, and indeed most other major cities in the country, are among the most densely-populated cities in the world and together with the unchecked urbanization that the nation has witnessed, over the past two decades that has resulted in little to no adherence to building codes, our cities are severely vulnerable to earthquakes of any magnitude should its epicentre be close enough.
It has been known for some time now that most of our structures are simply not equipped to withstand the impact of a major earthquake. With Bangladesh's geographical location making it susceptible to earthquakes, and even after experiencing numerous tremors in recent times including the latest earthquake in Tibet, it is shocking that readiness for earthquakes remains alarmingly low.
Experts have long warned that a significant quake would most likely result in catastrophic casualties and infrastructural damage, and it is about time we wake up to this reality, and start doing all we can to minimize the potential damage caused.
There is no alternative to enhancing our preparedness, which starts with initiatives to first identify vulnerable structures while simultaneously equipping communities with the knowledge and tools necessary for effective disaster response.
The tragedy in Tibet should be a stark reminder of the potential consequences of inadequate preparedness. As we look to reform and rebuild the nation, it is crucial for the authorities to simultaneously prioritize earthquake preparedness plans that include and implement more rigorous building regulations, community training programs, and efficient emergency response strategies. This is an issue where the consequences of not being pro-active are beyond catastrophic.