Java tragedy

The tragedy and woes of the people of Indonesia are twice magnified due to the threat of imminent eruption of Mount Merapi volcano that is in close proximity of the earthquake's epicentre, both straddling the city of Yogjakarta. It is heartening to note the offer of help that Indonesia has received from many countries of and outside the region.

As we express our sympathies for the people of Indonesia, it is also time for us to again review and update the state of our own preparedness in the event that such a fate should befall us, Bangladesh being vulnerable because of its location. Doubts do exist with regard to our preparedness to face disasters of this nature and magnitude. Our concern is heightened when we find the innumerable high-rise buildings, most of which have been constructed without following the building code and without proper planning. Many such buildings stand on reclaimed lands through filling of lakes and various water bodies and are thus more vulnerable than the others.

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On the other hand, many dilapidated buildings have been identified which are in a precarious state in the old parts of the city, weathered by time. Despite the fact that the administration from time to time talks of demolishing such buildings, these buildings still stand, with the prospect of disaster stalking the inmates.

Although in recent times much talks have taken place both at governmental and other levels about the state of our preparedness, we still remain highly vulnerable when we recall the poor rescue efforts in the case of two recent building collapse in the heart of the capital, of lesser magnitude, where reportedly, lack of proper equipment hampered the rescue operations.