Seismology experts have issued an urgent warning to the Bangladesh government following a series of earthquakes that rocked the country, claiming lives and damaging numerous buildings. Specialists caution that these tremors could be precursors to a much larger seismic event, emphasizing that immediate action is crucial to prevent catastrophic losses.
Recent Earthquakes and Immediate Damage
The alarm bells started ringing when a 5.7-magnitude earthquake struck Bangladesh on Friday morning, primarily affecting central regions including the capital city Dhaka. The seismic event resulted in at least 10 confirmed fatalities and caused substantial damage to infrastructure across affected areas.
According to official reports, the Dhaka district administration has confirmed damage to at least 14 buildings, while Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK), the capital development authority, estimates the figure exceeds 50 structures. Officials anticipate these numbers will increase as inspection teams continue their assessment of affected areas.
"We are still working. Many more buildings will be identified," stated RAJUK Chairman Md Riazul Islam, indicating the full extent of damage remains undetermined.
Expert Warnings and Scientific Basis
Professor Mehedi Ahmed Ansary from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology's (BUET) civil engineering department delivered a sobering assessment. "I think these recent earthquakes are foreshocks of a bigger one. We must be prepared for that," he cautioned.
The professor emphasized the critical need for immediate evaluation of damaged buildings, prioritizing them according to risk levels. He warned that a stronger earthquake could trigger catastrophic collapses, though timely intervention could significantly reduce potential damage.
Seismologist Syed Humayun Akhter pointed to the Indo-Burma subduction zone as a particular concern, noting that this geological feature is accumulating strain capable of generating a major seismic event, potentially of very high magnitude.
Dhaka's Vulnerability and Historical Context
Dhaka ranks among the world's 20 most earthquake-vulnerable cities, a concerning status attributed to its extremely dense population and abundance of dilapidated structures, particularly in the older sectors of the capital.
The region possesses a long history of powerful earthquakes, with historical records documenting five major tremors between 1869 and 1930, each measuring above 7.0 on the Richter scale. Experts have consistently warned that Bangladesh faces imminent earthquake risks due to its location on the collision zone of major tectonic plates, intersected by several active fault lines.
Implementation Challenges and Recommendations
Professor Ansary recommended that RAJUK issue public notices urging homeowners to assess their buildings and submit structural reports for expert review. While visible damage remains limited currently, he cautioned that many buildings may have suffered internal stress that compromises their structural integrity.
A 2022 RAJUK survey identified 42 buildings in Dhaka, Gazipur and Narayanganj as being at immediate risk, with orders issued for evacuation and demolition within three months. Another 187 structures required retrofitting. However, most of these directives remain unimplemented according to reports.
The high-risk structures include buildings owned by government and autonomous bodies such as the Education Engineering Department, Department of Health Education, LGED, Jagannath University, Dhaka University, the Bangladesh Madrasah Education Board, the Institute of Leather Technology and the Bangladesh Medical University hospital.
When questioned about the delayed actions, RAJUK Chairman Islam explained that most problematic structures were government-owned and required a fresh citywide reassessment. He confirmed that risky structures are being systematically identified, sealed, or cleared as necessary.
Professor Munaz Ahmed Noor, vice president of the Bangladesh Earthquake Society, criticized RAJUK's reactive approach, noting the agency "always wakes up after a major incident." He cited chronic manpower shortages and emphasized the need for strict adherence to the Bangladesh National Building Code, noting that enforcement failures often occur during implementation rather than design phases.
As RAJUK Chairman Islam starkly summarized: "This earthquake is a major warning. Science suggests a bigger shock may be ahead." The recent seismic activity serves as a crucial reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive earthquake preparedness in one of the world's most vulnerable urban centers.
