EARTHQUAKES cannot be predicted with certainty. They can only be feared, especially as scientists can make long-term forecasts of the probability for a region. This suggests that there can only be preparedness in the fight against such natural disasters. The earthquake of the magnitude of 5.5, with its epicentre at Madhabdi in Narsingdi at a depth of 10 kilometres, that shook Bangladesh in the morning on November 21 has showed that Bangladesh is least prepared to face earthquakes. At least 10 died and more than 1,000 people were injured in the earthquake. Cracks appeared in several dozen buildings whilst some buildings tilted as the earthquake of a moderate intensity woke up people to the under-preparedness or even lack of preparedness that the authorities have so far lived with. As the earthquake happened, people panicked and hurried out of their houses to open places. A large number of victims were injured in stampedes or when objects fell on them. Some even jumped from building floors. This also shows that the government has not adequately run earthquake drills to keep people informed of what they should do in the event of such disasters. Eight power plants also went off-grid.
Whilst risks remain grave for the whole of the country, the risks are greater in Dhaka as Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha, the agency responsible for the development of the capital city, says that 80 per cent of the houses in Dhaka have been built without approval. Data of the agency鈥檚 detailed area plan show that 2.1 million structures, including more than half a million multi-storey buildings, which have more than two floors are erected without approval. The agency鈥檚 chief town planner says that there are more than 2,000 buildings above 10 storeys compared with 1,840 in 2019. The risks appear serious as experts fear that there could be more earthquakes. They think that the November 21 incident was a foreshock of a strong one that might happen any time. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department recorded 76 earthquakes of varying intensity that shook Bangladesh and its neighbours only in 2025. Research suggests, as experts say, that strong earthquakes take place every 100鈥�125 years. As the last strong earthquake that hit Bangladesh occurred in the 1930s, it appears that Bangladesh is now almost at the juncture. With the lack of preparedness or under-preparedness, it could spell out disasters of a greater intensity if issues are not mended now.
The government should, therefore, immediately take stock of risky buildings to retrofit or demolish them. Whilst it should also shore up other preparedness issues, it should run campaigns and earthquake drills to keep people informed of what to do in the event of such disasters. And, the government has no scope to show leniency in this direction.
