The earthquake that hit Bangladesh on Friday is a crude wake up call to just how underprepared we are as a nation to tackle a disaster like this. With a magnitude of 5.7 and its epicentre in Madhabdi, Narsingdi, the quake left significant damage in its wake.
As of writing this, at least six deaths and over 200 injuries have been reported, with innumerable buildings and structures visibly impaired.
While Bangladesh is no stranger to earthquakes, or natural disasters at large, one of this calibre has certainly neither been felt nor prepared for in recent years.
Despite being a nation that is prone to natural calamities and is at such high risk -- owing to the sub-par structure and the sheer volume of buildings in the major cities -- it is deeply concerning that there aren't more protective measures already in place.
This incident truly begs the question: How do we expect to handle another earthquake of this scale, or bigger, should it come our way again?
While the predictions of a much more formidable earthquake circulating on social media are not, so far, a confirmed reason to panic, we certainly cannot write them off as a possibility.
To that end, the emergency control room set up in light of the event, while a useful tool, cannot be the only action we take. In fact, we as a nation have to move away from a reactionary approach to one that is much more precautionary.
Our infrastructure must be brought to code, with frequent safety checks to ensure they survive future tremors. We must also educate the population on earthquake preparedness, with mandated training sessions as well as drills.
It is high time that our authorities step up and begin preparations for a reliable system that will help us to withstand what could very well lead to a catastrophe.