United News of Bangladesh

The number of deaths from a massive blaze at a residential complex in Hong Kong has risen to 55, making it one of the city’s deadliest fires in recent decades, as firefighters continued battling the flames Thursday (November 27). Authorities reported that 51 victims were discovered at the scene, while four others died after being taken to hospitals. Dense smoke continued to billow from the Wang Fuk Court complex in Tai Po, a northern district near mainland China. The fire began Wednesday afternoon and rapidly spread to seven of the development’s eight buildings. Officials said flames in four towers had been extinguished, while the remaining three were under control as of Thursday afternoon. The operation was expected to continue into the evening. A firefighter was among the fatalities, and more than 70 people were injured, many suffering burns and smoke inhalation. Resident Lawrence Lee anxiously awaited updates on his wife, who became trapped in their unit. He said she tried to escape when the fire started but was forced back by thick smoke filling the corridors and stairwells. Read more: Death toll in Hong Kong high-rise fire climbs to 36; 279 missing Winter and Sandy Chung, who lived in another tower, described seeing sparks as they fled. Though safe, they worried for their home. “I couldn’t sleep the entire night,” said 75-year-old Winter. Police arrested three men—directors and an engineering consultant from a construction company—on suspicion of manslaughter, accusing them of gross negligence. Officers later searched the offices of Prestige Construction & Engineering Company, which had overseen renovation work at the complex, and seized boxes of documents. Authorities suspect that some of the exterior wall materials failed to meet fire-resistance standards, contributing to the rapid spread. Police also discovered highly flammable Styrofoam attached near elevator lobbies in the unaffected tower, believed to have been installed by the construction company. Security Secretary Chris Tang said the materials would undergo further investigation. The fire is believed to have started on the external scaffolding of a 32-story tower before racing through bamboo scaffolding and construction netting, aided by strong winds. Fire crews used ladder trucks to target the flames, but rescue efforts were extremely challenging. Fire safety expert Alex Webb called the event “quite shocking,” noting that design regulations usually prevent fires from jumping between buildings. The materials used at the site, he said, could explain the unusual spread. Read more: Fire ravages Korail slum, leaving dwellers devastated amid water crisis Bamboo scaffolding, common in Hong Kong construction, has faced increasing scrutiny; officials previously announced plans to phase it out in public projects due to safety concerns. The housing estate, built in the 1980s and home to roughly 4,800 residents across eight towers and nearly 2,000 units, was undergoing major renovation. Around 900 people spent the night in temporary shelters, and Chief Executive John Lee said contact had been lost with 279 residents. Ongoing rescues continued into Thursday, though updated numbers were not immediately available. Lee announced immediate inspections of all residential estates undergoing renovations to ensure compliance with safety standards. Chinese President Xi Jinping extended condolences to the fallen firefighter and expressed sympathy to the victims’ families, according to state broadcaster CCTV, urging authorities to reduce casualties and losses. This marks Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades; the previous worst was in 1996, when 41 people died in a Kowloon commercial building fire that burned for about 20 hours. Read more: Death toll from Hong Kong tower fire rises to 44

Firefighters continued battling one of Hong Kong’s most deadly modern fires on Thursday (November 27), as flames ravaged multiple high-rise towers and at least 44 people were confirmed dead. Rescues remained ongoing, and three men from a construction company were arrested in connection with the blaze. Thick smoke continued to pour from the Wang Fuk Court complex in Tai Po, a northern suburb near the mainland border. The fire, which erupted Wednesday afternoon, had spread across seven of the eight buildings, though four towers were reported under control by Thursday morning. At least 62 people were injured, many with burns or smoke inhalation, including one firefighter among the deceased. Police arrested three men — two company directors and an engineering consultant — on suspicion of manslaughter. “We have reason to believe that those in charge of the construction company were grossly negligent,” said senior superintendent Eileen Chung. Investigators suspect that some materials used on the exterior walls failed fire-resistance standards, which may have accelerated the spread. Styrofoam, highly flammable, was also found attached near elevators in one tower, likely installed by the company, though its purpose remains unclear. Read more: Fire forces evacuation at COP30 climate summit in Brazil The fire began on the external scaffolding of a 32-story building, spreading through bamboo scaffolding and netting, and then into other buildings, aided by strong winds. Firefighters battled the intense flames with ladder trucks, but high temperatures, falling debris, and unstable scaffolding hampered rescue operations. The complex houses nearly 2,000 apartments for about 4,800 residents, including many elderly people, and was undergoing major renovations. About 900 residents were evacuated, and 279 were reported missing as of midnight Wednesday. Rescues were ongoing into Thursday morning. Residents described harrowing moments. Lawrence Lee, waiting for news of his trapped wife, said smoke-filled corridors forced her back into their apartment despite attempts to escape. Hong Kong leader John Lee announced the government would focus on the disaster and pause campaigning for the Dec. 7 Legislative Council elections, though he did not confirm if the vote would be postponed. Chinese leader Xi Jinping expressed condolences to the firefighter who died and sympathies to victims’ families, urging measures to minimize further casualties. This fire is the deadliest Hong Kong has seen in decades, surpassing the 1996 Kowloon blaze that killed 41 people over 20 hours. Read more: Death toll in Hong Kong high-rise fire climbs to 36; 279 missing Source: AP

Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in years blazed late into the night on Wednesday (November 26) as the city's leader confirmed at least 36 people, including a firefighter, had died and another 279 people were reported missing. Hundreds of residents were evacuated as the blaze spread across seven high-rise apartment buildings in a housing complex in Tai Po district, a suburb in the New Territories. At least 29 others remained hospitalized. “Police and the Fire Services Department have already set up a dedicated investigation team to investigate the cause of the fire,” John Lee, Hong Kong's chief executive, said. He said the fire was “coming under control” shortly past midnight. Read more: Left with ashes: Korail families lose everything in devastating fire Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Wednesday expressed condolences to the firefighter who died and extended sympathies to the families of the victims, according to state broadcaster CCTV. He also urged efforts to minimize casualties and losses. The housing complex consisted of eight buildings with almost 2,000 apartments housing about 4,800 residents, including many elderly people. The housing complex was built in the 1980s and has recently been undergoing a major renovation. Fire chiefs said high temperatures at the scene made it difficult for crews to mount rescue operations. It was not immediately known how the fire started, but officials said the fire started at the external scaffolding of one of the buildings, a 32-storey tower, and later spread to inside the building and then to nearby buildings, likely aided by windy conditions. A column of flames and thick smoke rose as the blaze spread quickly on bamboo scaffolding and construction netting that had been set up around the exterior of the buildings. About 900 people were evacuated to temporary shelters. Multiple buildings close to each other were set ablaze, with bright flames and smoke shooting out of windows as night fell. Authorities said that hundreds of firefighters, police officers and paramedics were deployed. Firefighters aimed water at the intense flames from high up on ladder trucks. The blaze, which started mid-afternoon, was upgraded a level 5 alarm — the highest level of severity — as night fell. Authorities said that conditions remained very challenging for firefighters. Read more: Gazipur coil factory fire under control “Debris and scaffolding of the affected buildings (is) falling down,” said Derek Armstrong Chan, deputy director of Fire Service operations. "The temperature inside the buildings concerned is very high. It’s difficult for us to enter the building and go upstairs to conduct firefighting and rescue operations.” The fire department said that it received “numerous” calls requesting assistance. It said some residents remained trapped as of Wednesday night. Firefighters deployed more than 140 fire trucks and more than 60 ambulances to the scene. The dead included a 37-year-old firefighter, while another received treatment for heat exhaustion, Director of Fire Services Andy Yeung said. District officials in Tai Po have opened temporary shelters for people left homeless by the fire. “I’ve given up thinking about my property," a resident who only provided her surname, Wu, told local TV station TVB. "Watching it burn like that was really frustrating.” Tai Po is a suburban area in the New Territories, in the northern part of Hong Kong and near the border with the mainland Chinese city of Shenzhen. Bamboo scaffolding is a common sight in Hong Kong at building construction and renovation projects, though the government said earlier this year that it would start phasing it out for public projects because of safety concerns. The fire is the deadliest in Hong Kong in years. In November 1996, 41 people died in a commercial building in Kowloon in a level 5 fire that lasted for around 20 hours. Read more: Death toll from Hong Kong tower fire rises to 44

A magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck Dhaka and some other parts of Bangladesh on the morning of 21 November 2025, sending tremors through the capital and surrounding districts.  Strong shaking was felt across Dhaka, Gazipur, Narayanganj, and nearby areas.  In Old Dhaka (Armanitola), a portion of a building partially collapsed.  At least 3 people were reported killed, according to police.   People in Dhaka described panic, rushing out of homes and offices, and helping children and elderly to safety.  Read more: 10 Most Earthquake-prone Countries around the World What to Do During an Earthquake Here are some critical safety steps to follow if another quake strikes:             1.         If You Are Indoors             •          Stay inside — do not run outside while the building is shaking.             •          Drop, Cover, and Hold On — get under a sturdy desk or table and hold on.             •          If no furniture is nearby, move against an interior wall or into a hallway.             •          Stay away from windows, fireplaces, and heavy furniture or appliances, which could fall.             •          Avoid the kitchen, as items like dishes and pots can fall and injure you.             2.         If You Are Outside             •          Move to an open area, away from buildings, power lines, chimneys, and anything that might collapse.             3.         If You Are Driving             •          Carefully pull over, but do not stop under or on a bridge or overpass, or beneath trees, signposts, or power lines.             •          Stay inside your vehicle until the shaking stops.             •          When you resume driving, be alert for road damage, fallen rocks, and other hazards.                         5.         If You Are Near the Ocean             •          Follow tsunami safety guidelines — move to higher ground if necessary and listen to local authorities. Read more: Post-Earthquake Cautions: Do’s & Don’ts Why This Matters Now This quake is a serious wake-up call. Dhaka is densely populated, and although buildings swayed rather than fell en masse, even moderate earthquakes can trigger panic, structural damage, or worse. Expert geologists warn that preparedness and quick, informed responses are crucial to minimizing harm. Take-Home Message: Stay calm, stay safe, and follow earthquake safety rules — they can save lives. (With inputs from USGS)

A powerful, 6.3 magnitude earthquake shook northern Afghanistan before dawn Monday, killing at least 20 people and injuring more than 300 others, a health official said. The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake's epicenter was located 22 kilometers (14 miles) west-southwest of the town of Khulm, and that it struck at 12:59 a.m. at a depth of 28 kilometers (17 miles). Sharafat Zaman, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Health, said the quake killed at least 20 people and injured 320 others. Yousaf Hammad, a spokesman for Afghanistan’s disaster management agency, said most of the injured suffered minor wounds and were discharged after receiving initial treatment. In the Afghan capital of Kabul, the Ministry of Defense announced that rescue and emergency aid teams have reached the areas affected by last night’s earthquake in the provinces of Balkh and Samangan, which suffered the most damage, and have begun rescue operations, including transporting the injured and assisting affected families. Afghanistan earthquake kills over 2,200, Taliban reports The Taliban government’s chief spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, in a post on X platform said the earthquake hit Afghanistan's Balkh, Samangan and Baghlan provinces, causing casualties and financial loss. He expressed his sorrow and grief over the losses and said relevant governmental organizations were busy trying to get needed help to the people affected by the quake. According to the Afghan officials, the earthquake was also felt in Mazar-e-Sharif, the capital of northern Balkh province. In Mazar-e-Sharif, footage circulating on social media showed damage to the historic Blue Mosque. Several bricks had fallen from the walls but the mosque remained intact. The centuries-old site is one of Afghanistan’s most revered religious landmarks and a major gathering place during Islamic and cultural festivals. The quake was felt in Kabul and several other provinces in Afghanistan. The Defense Ministry said in a statement that a rockslide briefly blocked a main mountain highway linking Kabul with Mazar-e-Sharif, but the road was later reopened. It said some people who were injured and trapped along the highway were transported to the hospital. The United Nations in Afghanistan said on X that Monday's earthquake came just weeks after a deadly earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan. The U.N. said its teams are on the ground assessing needs and delivering urgent aid. “We stand with the affected communities and will provide the necessary support,” the post said. Afghanistan has been rattled by a series of earthquakes in recent years and the impoverished country often faces difficulty in responding to such natural disasters, especially in remote regions. Buildings tend to be low-rise constructions, mostly of concrete and brick, with homes in rural and outlying areas made from mud bricks and wood, many poorly built. A magnitude 6.0 earthquake hit eastern Afghanistan on Aug. 31 near the border with Pakistan, killing more than 2,200 people. On Oct. 7, 2023, a magnitude 6.3 quake followed by strong aftershocks left at least 4,000 people dead, according to the Taliban government. Read more: Earthquake Safety: Do’s and Don’ts during an Earthquake Source: AP 

At least 21 people were killed and 30 others went missing after a massive landslide hit Kenya’s western Rift Valley region on Saturday, following days of heavy rainfall during the country’s short rains season. The disaster struck the hilly area of Chesongoch in Elgeyo Marakwet County, destroying more than 1,000 homes and cutting off several roads. Authorities said 30 people with serious injuries were airlifted to a hospital in Eldoret City for treatment. Local resident Stephen Kittony told Citizen Television that he heard a loud rumble before fleeing his home with his children, each running in different directions to escape. Landslides, floods cut off 300 Mexican communities; dozens dead and missing Rescue operations continued through Saturday despite the ongoing rains, as emergency teams searched through the mud and debris for those still missing. Chesongoch, known for its steep terrain, has experienced similar tragedies before — deadly landslides in 2010 and 2012 claimed dozens of lives, and floods in 2020 swept away a local shopping center. Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen said the government is working to relocate affected families to safer ground. Source: AP  Read more: Thunderstorm Lightning in Bangladesh: Causes, Risks, and Safety Tips

Bangladesh experiences a diverse kind of natural disaster almost every year. Thunderstorm lightning is one of the most common and deadly hazards among them. Every year, many people and livestock lose their lives and get injured due to lightning strikes, especially during the rainy season. Between 1990 and 2016, lightning caused an average of 114 deaths each year in Bangladesh. In 2016, lightning was nationally declared a natural disaster in the country. However, thunderstorm lightning-related deaths and injuries can be prevented if people know what to do and take simple safety steps. Let’s learn more about what lightning is, why it happens so often in Bangladesh, and how to stay safe. What Is Thunderstorm Lightning and How Does It Happen? Lightning is a bright flash of electricity that appears in the sky during a storm. It’s part of a weather event called a thunderstorm, which involves water, air, and electricity. That's why it is called a hydrometeorological disaster. Inside thunderclouds, tiny pieces of ice and water bump into each other and move around quickly. This movement causes the cloud to build up electric charges; some parts become positive and others become negative. When the difference between these charges becomes too strong, the energy is released as a sudden spark called lightning. Read more: Rema–Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary in Habiganj: A Comprehensive Travel Guide This lightning can move between clouds, inside the same cloud, or between the cloud and the ground. The air around it gets extremely hot in a very short time, making the air expand quickly. This expansion creates the loud sound is known as thunder. Why is Bangladesh Prone to Thunderstorms and Lightning? Bangladesh experiences more lightning than most other countries in the world. The highest number of lightning strikes usually happens during the pre-monsoon (March–May) and monsoon (June–September) seasons. There are several reasons for this: Weather Patterns: Bangladesh has a tropical climate that is hot and humid. During the pre-monsoon season, warm air from the south meets cold air from the north. This mix creates strong thunderstorms. The hot temperatures and high humidity help form tall clouds that can produce lightning. Read more: How Green Industries Can Reduce River Water Pollution in Dhaka City Climate Change: Climate change is making lightning more frequent. As the Earth becomes warmer, more water evaporates into the air, creating bigger and more active storm clouds. Scientists say that lightning strikes have increased because of global warming and that they are becoming stronger and more violent. Geography and Terrain: Bangladesh’s location and land features also make it more vulnerable. It lies between the Bay of Bengal, the Indian subcontinent, and the Meghalaya Plateau, all of which affect its weather.The northeastern region, especially Sylhet, has hills and wetlands that receive a lot of rainfall and moisture, making lightning more likely. The southeast coastal areas and southwest regions also face frequent storms, especially when cyclones form in the Bay of Bengal. Why Are Lightning Deaths Increasing in Bangladesh? Lightning deaths are rising for several reasons. Most people who die from lightning are farmers or outdoor workers who work in open fields. During the pre-monsoon season, especially in Boishakh (April–May), lightning becomes more common because of hot temperatures, dusty air, and pollution. Read more: Can Green Buildings in Bangladesh Create Opportunities for Carbon Trading? Most lightning accidents happen in the afternoon, when people are outside working. Men are more affected because they spend more time in the fields. Even though lightning can strike anywhere, rural areas are the most affected. Bangladesh has a high population density, meaning many people live close together, which increases the risk. Another big reason for the high number of deaths is a lack of awareness. Many people don’t know how dangerous lightning can be or what to do when a thunderstorm starts. Some even follow false beliefs instead of real safety practices. Read more: What Can Dhaka Learn from the Smart City Singapore Preventive Measures Against Lightning Fatalities in Bangladesh Avoiding danger is the best way to stay safe. Here are some important steps to reduce lightning risks in Bangladesh: Strategic Lightning Safety Plan The government, local authorities, and organisations should work together to make a national lightning safety plan. This plan should include appropriate measures to: - Build safe shelters. - Spread awareness through campaigns and social media. - Train local leaders, teachers, and health workers to teach lightning safety. - Share weather warnings and updates quickly through apps and media. Besides these, the Bangladesh National Building Code also requires buildings to have lightning protection systems. Read more: What is Carbon Trading? How does it work? Build Lightning-Safe Structures Installing earthing systems (grounding wires that carry electricity safely into the ground) is one of the best ways to protect buildings and people. This can be done by burying copper or steel rods in the ground and connecting them to metal parts of a building or structure. Boats can also be made safer by adding lightning rods and grounding devices. Use the BMD Weather App The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has a smartphone app that gives weather forecasts and storm warnings. People can use this app to check if thunderstorms are likely and plan their outdoor work accordingly. To increase awareness, schools, NGOs, and community leaders can organise workshops, campaigns, and public announcements about using the BMD app. Read more: Top Strategies to Enhance Fire Resilience in Dhaka City Identify Vulnerable Communities Communities need to find out who is most at risk, such as farmers, construction workers, and fishermen, and ensure they have nearby safe shelters during storms. Local authorities can study which areas face more lightning and plan protective measures like building shelters and installing grounding systems. Read more: Green Roofs in Dhaka City: Pathway to Smart Urban Agriculture Teach the 30:30 Rule The 30:30 formula is an easy way to judge lightning distance and danger: If one sees lightning and hears thunder within 30 seconds, it means the storm is close, and one should find shelter immediately. Stay indoors for at least 30 minutes after the last thunder. Farmers, fishermen, and schoolchildren should be taught this rule. They should also wear rubber shoes or use wooden or plastic tools while working outdoors. Read more: Organizational strategies to minimize earthquake damages in Dhaka City Create Public Awareness People need to learn how to stay safe during lightning storms.Local organisations can arrange folk songs, dramas, and storytelling to spread messages in villages. Schools can host seminars, distribute leaflets, and teach students safety tips. Posters and billboards can show safety instructions in public places. Television, radio, and newspapers can share lightning safety information and stories of real incidents to help people understand the danger. Plant Palm Trees Palm trees naturally attract lightning, which helps protect nearby people and buildings. Unfortunately, many have been cut down because of urban development. The government started a programme in 2017 to plant more palm trees in rural areas. Communities can be encouraged to do this by engaging local agricultural officers, organising tree-planting campaigns and teaching students about their importance. Read more: Flood Control and How to Minimise Losses Personal Safety Tips During Thunderstorm Lightnings Here are some simple ways to stay safe from lightning strikes during a thunderstorm: - The safest place is inside a closed building. - A car with a metal roof is also safe. - Keep doors and windows closed and stay away from metal objects, water, and electrical items. - Avoid open areas, high places, tall trees, and small shelters like huts. - Never stand under a single tree, as it increases the chance of being struck. - Don’t use telephones or electrical appliances during a storm. - If one can’t find shelter, one needs to crouch low to the ground and avoid contact with the ground as much as possible. - In forests, stay in low areas with small trees close together. - If one stays on the water during a thunderstorm, then one should come to the nearby land immediately. It is recommended to avoid swimming or boating during lightning strikes. - If one floats on a boat during lightning strikes, then one should move the water vehicle under a bridge or cliff if possible. Read more: Can a Sponge City Tackle Flooding in Dhaka? Conclusion Lightning is a natural and powerful event, but it doesn’t have to be deadly. With awareness, planning, and simple precautions, people in Bangladesh can protect themselves, their families, communities and livestock from deaths and injuries caused by thunderstorm lightning incidents. By building safe shelters, teaching lightning safety in schools, planting palm trees, and using the BMD Weather App, the number of lightning-related casualties and fatalities can be reduced significantly, making Bangladesh safer for everyone. Read more: How to Build Dhaka as a Water Wise City

Sinkholes are sudden holes that open up in the ground when the surface layer drops into empty spaces below. They can be as small as a dip in a garden or so big that they swallow houses, cars, and even whole streets. To understand sinkholes let's find out how sinkholes are formed, why some are more dangerous and the some of the deadliest sinkholes around the world. How Sinkholes Form in a Natural Way Most sinkholes form in places where the rock under the ground can slowly dissolve in water, such as limestone, dolomite, or gypsum. Rainwater becomes slightly acidic after mixing with gases in the air and soil, and over many years it eats away at these rocks, creating gaps and hidden caves underground. As time passes, the roof of one of these caves may weaken until it can no longer hold up the weight above it. When that happens, the surface suddenly collapses, creating a sinkhole. This process can take hundreds of years, but once the ground gives way, the collapse can happen very quickly and with dramatic force. Can Human Actions Trigger Sinkhole Formation While sinkholes often form naturally, human actions can make them happen faster or more often. Pumping too much water from underground lowers the water level and removes the support that keeps the ground steady. Mining and drilling can leave empty spaces or weaken the layers of rock. Broken water or sewage pipes can slowly wash away the soil until the surface caves in. Building heavy structures on soft or weak ground can also cause the earth to collapse. Because of these activities, towns, cities, and farmland tend to have more sinkholes than areas left untouched. Read more: Rema–Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary in Habiganj: A Comprehensive Travel Guide Why Sinkholes Are Dangerous Sinkholes are dangerous because they often appear suddenly and can grow big enough to swallow cars, houses, or whole roads. In some areas, they are linked to complicated underground cave systems, which makes fixing the damage costly and difficult. When they happen in towns or cities, a single sinkhole can cut off power or water, pollute supplies, force people to leave their homes, and even cause deaths. Even very large sinkholes that do not directly threaten lives can still create long-term problems by changing how water flows and making the surrounding land unstable. The Most Dangerous Sinkholes in the World . Xiaozhai Tiankeng, China Xiaozhai Tiankeng in China is known as the world’s biggest and deepest sinkhole. It is an enormous hole with steep, vertical walls that drop hundreds of metres. Its dimensions are approximately 626 m long, 537 m wide, and between 511 and 662 m deep. The cliffs around it are very dangerous, as loose rocks can fall and the edges give way suddenly.  This natural sinkhole was formally “discovered” by geologists (outside the local population) in 1994 during exploration by the China Caves Project. Its huge size shows just how powerful natural processes underground can be. Read more: Finland ranked again the world’s happiest country in 2025: What’s the secret Great Blue Hole, Belize The Great Blue Hole in Belize is a giant natural sinkhole in the sea and is well known among divers. It is very deep with steep sides that drop suddenly, making it risky to explore. While it doesn’t threaten people on land, it can be dangerous for divers who are not experienced or ready for the challenges of deep water. Bayou Corne, Louisiana, USA The Bayou Corne sinkhole in Louisiana, USA, was caused when an underground salt dome collapsed. It became evident on August 3, 2012, when residents were evacuated after signs of collapse in an underground salt cavern.  The ground gave way so suddenly that an entire nearby community, about 350 people, had to be evacuated. Gas was released, and the area has remained unstable ever since, showing how industrial activity underground can lead to long-lasting and dangerous problems. Read more: How Green Industries Can Reduce River Water Pollution in Dhaka City

Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is vulnerable to earthquake disasters due to spontaneous urbanization, high population density, haphazard growth of high-rise buildings, unplanned infrastructure, etc. Besides these, inadequate disaster management plans make Dhaka more vulnerable to disaster risk if a seismic tremor of magnitude 7 or over on the Richter scale occurs. An effective earthquake disaster prevention program is required at organizational levels to minimize the risk of disaster. Earthquake risk in Dhaka city  Dhaka is vulnerable to earthquake disasters for several reasons.  Located in risky seismic zone Bangladesh has been divided into three main earthquake zones. According to the seismic zoning of Bangladesh, Dhaka falls into Zone 2, that also includes Rajshahi, Natore, Magura, Meherpur, Cumilla, Brahmanbaria, and Feni. Here, the Chittagong-Comilla-Dhaka and Tangail areas have a possible earthquake risk of magnitude of 6 on the Richter scale. Unsafe structures The government of Bangladesh has developed national building codes, which include detailed guidelines for earthquake-resistant design of concrete and steel structures. However, these codes are not officially enforced. Due to the lack of effective enforcement mechanisms, it is feared that many new structures do not maintain the necessary requisites for earthquake-resistant construction. Therefore, the number of unsafe structures in Dhaka city is increasing.  Read more: 10 Most Earthquake-prone Countries around the World Furthermore, many high-rise buildings and garment factories are being constructed in Dhaka without following the rules. Furthermore, not leaving adequate open spaces while designing buildings also increases the risk of casualties if structures collapse due to earthquakes. Besides these, a significant portion of the structures of Dhaka city have encroached upon the streets and roadways, making those infrastructures more vulnerable for passersby and commuters during earthquakes.  As a result, after a major earthquake of magnitude 7 or over on the Richter scale, these structures can collapse, block streets, hinder rescue operations, and bring the greatest devastation to Dhaka city.  High population density The population density is very high in Dhaka city. With more than 23.9 million people, and an average of 38,000 people per square kilometer, Dhaka is one of the most crowded cities in the world. As the city is expanding quickly, many new buildings, bridges, roads, and other infrastructure are being constructed to fulfill the needs of this big population.  Millions of inhabitants of Dhaka city live in poorly made buildings.  Soil type Geographically, Dhaka city is made of soft, wet delta soil, which makes the structures more vulnerable to earthquakes.  Read more: Can Earthquakes Really be Predicted? Some effective organizational measures to mitigate earthquake disaster risk in Dhaka city As an earthquake is a natural disaster, it cannot be prevented. However, adequate measures at national, organizational, and individual levels can minimize the loss of lives and property. Here the organizational measures will be discussed. Decentralization  Dhaka is the center of the economy and administration of Bangladesh. Therefore, Dhaka’s risk in the context of the earthquake can make the economic stability, and public administration of Bangladesh vulnerable. Therefore, decentralization of key financial and administrative activities can minimize the damage if Dhaka faces any major earthquake.  Planning for water and airways  If a major earthquake occurs, the existing road communication system in and around Dhaka can be affected, but the effect will be less in waterways. So there should be a plan to restore the existing waterways (canals, rivers in and around Dhaka) for use during the earthquake emergency period.  Dhaka city is surrounded by three rivers, Buriganga, Sitalakhya, and Turag. These rivers can be again turned into the lifeblood of the city. These rivers need extensive dredging to ensure navigability around the year. The city's circular riverway can be a very useful communication route.  Furthermore, helicopters can also perform during emergency response. This will be an effective way in the field of rescue and emergency services distribution.  Read more: Earthquake Safety Tips for Parents to Keep Children Safe Build earthquake-resistant structures If the structures are not earthquake-resistant, severe damage to lives and properties can occur after an earthquake of 7 or more magnitude hits the city. To minimize the risk of earthquake destruction, earthquake-resistant buildings should be built.  The city authority can create strict regulations and make it obligatory for planners, engineers, and architects to consider earthquake-resistance capacity while making plans and designs. The common steps of building earthquake-resistant structures include creating flexible foundations; building shear walls, moment-resisting frames, and diaphragms; building Seismic Invisibility Cloak; using earthquake-resistant materials, etc. Seismic hazard mapping and database preparation It is essential to develop a comprehensive regional database of all recorded historical earthquakes in and around Dhaka city. A comprehensive regional seismic hazard map of Dhaka city should be prepared to incorporate appropriate building codes.  Read more: Turkey Earthquake: Why Did So Many Buildings Collapse? Resources such as scientists, seismologists, geologists, engineers, architects, planners, GIS experts, remote sensing experts, and other technicians should be prepared through higher education and relevant training programs to build leadership in earthquake hazard assessment research in Bangladesh. 

In preparation for Cyclone Remal, 500 shelters and 290 medical teams have been kept prepared in Chattogram, said the District Disaster Management Committee. The decision to keep those shelters and teams prepared was made at an emergency meeting of the committee held last night. Furthermore, the Fire Service and Civil Defense has canceled the leave of all officials and employees from nine stations, mobilizing 270 personnel for immediate response. A special control room has also been formed at Agrabad Fire Service Station in the port city. Rakib Hasan, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) of Chattogram district administration, informed that around 500 shelters were being prepared, 290 medical teams were formed, and all executive officers and local union chairpersons and members in the coastal areas of Chattogram were on high alert. Read more: Cyclone Remal moves northwards over Bay According to the Civil Surgeon’s Office, a medical team has been assigned to each union, five teams to each upazila health complex, and five teams are on standby at Chattogram General Hospital. Dr. Md. Elias Chowdhury, district Civil Surgeon, said that 200 teams at the union level, 75 teams across 15 upazila health complexes, nine teams at urban dispensaries, one team for school health, and five teams at the general hospital were formed to face the impact of the cyclonic storm. Moreover, all doctors, officers, and employees under the Civil Surgeon’s Office have been instructed to remain at their posts while an emergency control room has also been opened, he said. Dinmoni Sharma, Deputy Director of Chattogram Fire Service and Civil Defense, informed that the fire service has started operations in various coastal areas. Read more: Cyclone Remal: Biman suspends all Cox's Bazar bound flights Sunday Announcements are being made through loudspeakers urging residents to move to safe locations before the storm hits. Operations in the city will commence based on weather conditions, he said, adding that 270 fire personnel across nine stations are prepared, with all leaves canceled. The deep depression over the Bay of Bengal intensified into a cyclonic storm Saturday night, with the name 'Remal.' The cyclone is predicted to make landfall today, affecting the coasts of Bangladesh and India’s West Bengal. The Meteorological Department reported that the depression has been moving north and northeast at 15 kilometers per hour over the past six hours. Gaining strength over the sea before hitting the coast between Khepupara, Bangladesh, and Sagar Island, West Bengal, it will hit with speeds of 110 to 120 kilometers per hour, with wind gusts reaching up to 135 kilometers per hour. Read more: Cyclone Preparedness: Safety measures to follow before, during and after disaster