PM on earthquake preparedness

As for any new construction work, a highly fool-proof and demanding mechanism has to be in place to enforce the building code, which itself most probably needs updating to be brought in line with that being followed in other earthquake-prone habitats.

A number of other useful suggestions emanated from the high-level meeting presided over by the prime minister on Sunday on risk of earthquakes and preparedness against them. Some of the ideas are focused on organisational or institutional preparations while the rest have to do with logistics and state-of-the-art equipment. It is important we put together an earthquake management and rescue system involving not only government ministries and departments but also non-government and voluntary initiatives. The idea of making do with an all-purpose disaster preparedness body (for cyclones, floods, and what have you!) is untenable, management of earthquakes being a different kettle of fish. It requires pointed and focused attention; more so because of the neglect we have shown historically to this particular area of human concern. Massive awareness needs to be built about earthquakes among the people on an enduring basis as distinguished from seasonal exhortations. An equally important imperative for the government will be to acquire the capacity to face any eventuality on a short notice so that loss of life an property can be reduced through individual, collective and institutional initiatives.

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Needless to say, the PM's emphasis on speedy construction of seismic centres in Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet and Rangpur should receive priority attention.