A Study on Current Earthquake Hazards in Bangladesh and Remedial Measures to be Taken to Minimize the Risk

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to analyse existing earthquake risks of Bangladesh and preventative steps that should be implemented to reduce the danger. For Bangladesh, earthquakes are the most frequent and important threat after floods. Today's numerous tremors, which are a sign of larger earthquakes, have made the situation worse. Earthquakes are a type of natural calamity that don't usually cause any prior warning, hence it is extremely regrettable that Bangladesh is not well-equipped to handle any significant earthquake's aftershocks. According to experts, because of the five geological fault lines that run through the nation, it is extremely vulnerable to a catastrophic earthquake. Geologists have identified three earthquake-prone zones in Bangladesh. When compared to the rest of Bangladesh, the Sylhet-Mymensingh region, as well as the areas near Chittagong, Dhaka, Comilla, and Tangail, are particularly susceptible to big earthquakes. Sylhet had been chosen as an earthquake-prone area in order to better comprehend the general earthquake condition in the area, the relief effort, and the reconstruction of the earthquake-affected area. Sylhet is the area of Bangladesh that is most susceptible to earthquakes due to its geographical location. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department provided the data for the past 30 years’ worth of earthquakes for the research project, and the District Relief and Rehabilitation Office provided information on the steps the government has taken to lessen the effects of earthquake damage through the distribution of aid and rehabilitation efforts. A survey of the locals in the affected areas was done to get their opinions on pre-earthquake and post-earthquake measures in order to support and enhance the government's actions. After the survey, it can be concluded that most people in the affected area hadn't previously received any type of relief supplies and that people in the affected area don't know enough about the before, after and during earthquake measures. It is also possible that there has been corruption or a breakdown in the relief distribution and rehabilitation process, which has rendered the entire process flawed. In this research work, corrective approaches for reducing the risk were discussed.