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

Launch services beteween Barishal and other parts of Bangladesh resumed on Saturday (November 18, 2023) morning after 24 hours of suspension due to the cyclonic storm Midhili. Abdur Razzaque, river port official of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), said the operation of launches resumed at 7 am after the affect of cyclone Midhili ended. Barishal Engineering College students say BCL activists beat them up for not attending ‘political programme’ Earlier, BIWTA suspended operations of all types of river vessels from 10:00 am on Friday due to inclement weather caused by the cyclone. Meanwhile, the roads in different parts of Barishal city have been inundated due to the rainfall triggered by the cyclonic. JCD leader, another arrested in Barishal for ‘planning sabotage’ The residents of Battala, Srinath Chatarjee Lane and Bogura Road have been trapped in 2-feet of water since the cyclone hit the country’s coastal areas. Khokon Serniabat takes charge as Barishal mayor

In recent years, several earthquakes have devastated different parts of the globe. Earthquakes are caused by sudden movement along tectonic plates within the surface of earth. These movements release energy in the form of seismic waves that cause the earth's surface to shake. These geological events disrupt lives and economies, standing as stark reminders of the need for earthquake preparedness. Let's take a look at the top earthquake-prone countries across the world and understand their vulnerabilities. The World's 10 Most Earthquake-prone Countries Japan Japan occupies a precarious position in the Pacific Ring of Fire, an arc characterized by fault lines and volcanic activity in the Pacific Ocean basin. This is the convergence of four tectonic plates: the Pacific, Philippine, Okhotsk, and Eurasian. The primary reason behind Japan's seismic vulnerability is the collision and subduction of these tectonic slabs. The Pacific Plate is subducting beneath the North American Plate, creating deep ocean trenches and mountain ranges. Read more Earthquake Safety Tips for Parents to Keep Children Safe The 2011 Tohoku earthquake, with a magnitude of 9.1, triggered a devastating tsunami, claiming around 19,759 lives. The 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, measuring magnitude 7, caused about 273 fatalities.

Bangladesh Meteorological Department has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall in Chattogram, Sylhet and Barishal divisions that may trigger landslides in five districts. According to a special bulletin of Met office, Chattogram, Sylhet and Barishal divisions are likely to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall as the very severe cyclonic storm Mocha over east central Bay and adjoining area moved North-Northeastwards over the same area. Also Read: Met office predicts rain or thundershowers in Dhaka, other divisions Due to very heavy rainfall landslides may occur in the hilly regions of Cox’s Bazar, Bandarbans, Rangamati, Khagrachhari and Chattogram, it said.

Heavy snow in large swaths of Japan has killed 17 and injured more than 90 people and left hundreds of homes without power, disaster management officials said Monday. Powerful winter fronts have dumped heavy snow in northern regions since last week, stranding hundreds of vehicles on highways, delaying delivery services and causing 11 deaths by Saturday. More snowfall over the Christmas weekend brought the number of dead to 17 and injured to 93 by Monday morning, according to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency. Many of them had fallen while removing snow from the roofs or were buried underneath thick piles of snow sliding off rooftops. Read more: Japan reverts to max nuclear power to tackle energy, climate Municipal offices in the snow-hit regions urged residents to use caution during snow removal activity and not to work alone. The disaster management agency said a woman in her 70s was found dead buried underneath a thick pile of rooftop snow that suddenly fell on her in Yamagata prefecture's Nagai City, about 300 kilometers (180 miles) north of Tokyo, where snow piled up higher than 80 centimeters (2.6 feet) Saturday. In Niigata, known for rice growing, some makers of mochi, or sticky rice cakes that are staple for New Year's celebration meals, said there have been delivery delays and their mochi may not reach their customers in time. Many parts of northeastern Japan reported three times their average snowfall for the season. Read more: Heavy rain, wind, snow blows through California into Sierra Heavy snow knocked down an electric power transmission tower in Japan’s northernmost main island, leaving about 20,000 homes without power on Christmas morning, though electricity was restored in most areas later that day, according to the economy and industry ministry. Dozens of trains and flights were also suspended in northern Japan through Sunday, but services have since mostly resumed, according to the transportation ministry.

After an earthquake, it is important to be cautious and stay safe. Earthquakes can cause significant damage to buildings and human lives. Knowing what to do and what not to do after an earthquake is essential. Let's take a look at the do’s and don’ts after an earthquake.  Potential hazards of earthquakes Earthquakes can have far-reaching consequences, both immediate and long-term. It can cause immense destruction to lives, communities, buildings, and infrastructure. In addition to that, an earthquake can also trigger landslides, floods, tsunamis, or other secondary hazards. Human lives are vulnerable to earthquakes. Earthquakes can lead to serious injuries such as broken bones, concussions, and even death.  Earthquakes extensively damage buildings and infrastructure. Buildings may collapse due to shaking or be damaged by falling debris. Bridges, roads, and other transportation routes can also get damaged severely. Furthermore, fires can break out due to broken gas lines or other sources of ignition. Earthquakes can also lead to environmental hazards, such as landslides, floods, and tsunamis. Landslides are caused by the shaking of the ground, which can cause rocks and soil to become displaced and slide down a slope. Floods can be triggered by heavy rains following the earthquake or by dams that fail due to shaking. Tsunamis are large waves caused by the sudden displacement of large amounts of water by the earthquake and can cause extensive destruction to coastal areas. Finally, earthquakes can have long-term consequences such as environmental damage, economic loss, and psychological trauma. Earthquakes can cause air and water pollution due to the release of hazardous materials. Read More: Earthquake Safety: Do’s and Don’ts during an Earthquake Do’s and Don’ts After an Earthquake Many people die by falling under the buildings demolished by the earthquake. Therefore, increasing public awareness is necessary to prepare for potential earthquakes and reduce damage. Check the following to know your steps after an earthquake. - Try to stay calm and check the surroundings. - Check yourself and others for injuries. - After the shaking, wait for a while, then exit. Because hanging objects may fall from above after a while. - Check that gas and electrical appliances are switched off. Also, check for any exposed pipes for gas or water leaks. If you can smell gas, open windows and get out of the home or structure. Get repairs done quickly. - Turn off the main switch or fuse if there is an electric spark anywhere. Beware of damaged buildings. - Listen to the radio or, if possible, contact others through mobile for further instructions from the authorities. - Make a gentle tap on the pipe or wall to make your presence known during the rescue operation. Consider screaming as the last option. Because, while shouting, harmful dust can enter the mouth.Move away from building exteriors and power lines. - If you are indoors, remain inside and move away from windows. - If you are outside, move away from any building, infrastructure, tree, and power line. - Don’t go near the coastline in case of a tsunami warning. - Don’t try to drive until roads have been cleared of debris. - Refrain from going sightseeing. Stay away from affected areas. - Stay away from using elevators or escalators. - If you suspect damage in the sewer, don’t flash your toilet. - Cover your nose and mouth with your hand or a handkerchief if you fall into the dust.Engage yourself in rescue work. Help for evacuation of affected people to temporary shelters. Read More: Landslide Safety, Preparedness Tips: Dos and Don'ts   Final Words Bangladesh is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world due to unplanned urbanization, non-compliance with required building codes, and sprawling buildings and structures. Since an earthquake is a natural disaster, it cannot be stopped. Therefore, this disaster is possible only through strong and effective post-earthquake institutional management to prevent earthquake pre-preparation and damage. All public and private organizations must be prepared in advance for earthquakes. That is why it is important to take proper steps for all the organizations, including necessary training to properly concentrate in the post-earthquake period. Development of pre-preparedness is absolutely essential as overall readiness for earthquakes in the current framework is very poor in Bangladesh. So far, we have discussed the potential hazards of earthquakes and the steps to take after an earthquake. By understanding these post-earthquake cautions, you can better prepare yourself and your family for an earthquake.

Earthquake is a kind of natural disaster that scientists have not yet figured out how to predict. An earthquake can destroy lives, property, cities, and civilizations at the same time. Bangladesh is at extreme risk of the earthquake as the country is unfortunately located between the Indian, Eurasian, and Myanmar tectonic plates. As a result, even moderate earthquakes can cause severe damage. While a large earthquake can cause terrible destruction of lives and structures. For survival during such a disaster, we should keep in mind some earthquake safety measures. 7 Do's and Don'ts During Earthquake If you understand that an earthquake is happening, you must first try to stay calm to save lives and not panic in any way. Although our brains might not work properly during a disaster, we still need to stay calm and think to better handle the situation. Check the following tips. Drop, cover, and hold-on methods The best approach during an earthquake is the ‘drop, cover, hold on’ or ‘duck-cover’ method, as advised by the American Red Cross. That is, when the earthquake starts, sit on the floor, then get under a sturdy table or desk and take cover; choose a desk or cover in such a way that you can move with the cover if necessary. Read More: 5.2 magnitude earthquake felt in Dhaka, other areas If a building is earthquake-resistant, it rarely collapses. What happens is that various objects or furniture falling on the body is more likely to cause injury. So, to avoid them, it is important to take shelter under a hard desk or table at this time. If you are in a wheelchair, lock or close the wheel and cover the head and neck with your hands. If in school, college, or other educational institution, students should take shelter under the hard table with a school bag on their head. Use a pillow to support your head when in bed. You can take shelter by sitting near the inner wall of the house. Exterior walls or glass windows are dangerous. Stay away from them. Turn off utility lines Remember, one of the reasons for earthquake damage is gas and electrical fires. So, the gas stove in the kitchen and the electrical switches in the house should be turned off as soon as possible. Do not light the match or candle until you are sure that there is no gas leakage. Read More: Death toll from Indonesia earthquake reaches 310 as more bodies found Wait until the shake stops If you are on the upper floor, you should wait until the shaking stops. When the shaking stops, quickly go down the stairs and take a position in an open place or a safe place. Avoid jumping the stairs. If you are in an industrial factory, hospital, market, or cinema hall, do not rush or rush in front of the door. Sit where you are with both hands covering your head. Once the shake stops, it can occur again. So, take the opportunity to get out of the building and try to move to an empty space. If you are near the sea or river, you should take or climb a high position as soon as possible. If you are outdoors during an earthquake, take shelter in an open area away from tall trees, tall buildings, electric poles, etc. Stop the car If you are in a car, pull over instead of blocking the road and stay inside. Stay away from bridges, over bridges, flyovers, underpasses, trees, electric poles, billboards etc. Being outside the car is more likely to get injured. Be careful of cars rushing from behind, and keep an eye on the rear mirror. Read More: 252 dead as Indonesia earthquake topples homes, buildings, roads Be prepared to deal with aftershocks The “main shock” or main earthquake can be preceded and followed by several more mild to moderate earthquakes known as ‘foreshocks’ and ‘aftershocks’. If not careful, these can become even bigger dangers. Typically, the ‘aftershock’ of a large earthquake can last from the first hour to a few days. Do not walk barefoot During an earthquake, do not walk barefoot, but wear sturdy shoes to avoid injury from glass, metal, etc. Having an injury during this time will make the situation worse for you. Do not use lifts Stairs must be used to get down from high-rise buildings during earthquakes. Never use the elevator. When in an elevator, rush down to the nearest floor. Read More: Earthquake rocks Nepal, six dead while in sleep Final Words Earthquakes caused huge death tolls in different countries in recent years. Increasing public awareness is essential in preparing for potential earthquakes and mitigating the damage. And these do’s, and don’ts during earthquakes will surely help an individual to stay safe and survive.

The International Day for Disaster Reduction will be observed across the country tomorrow (Thursday), with this year's theme set as ‘Early Warning and Early Action for All’. State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Dr Md Enamur Rahman disclosed this at a press conference at the secretariat in the capital on Wednesday. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will virtually address a function organised to mark the day at Osmani Memorial Auditorium as chief guest.  With the aim to increase awareness among people and the authorities concerned about reduction of risk of disaster, the International Day for Disaster Reduction has been observed across the world as well as Bangladesh on October 13 since 1989, the junior minister said. Read: Super cyclone ‘Sitrang’ unlikely to hit Bangladesh coast: State Minister He informed that the government built 94,338 disaster-tolerant houses and construction of a further 44,909 such houses are underway as part of infrastructural development in disaster-risk management scheme. President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina gave separate statements marking the day on Wednesday. The president said Bangladesh is now considered a capable country in disaster reduction by the world at large, due to measures taken by the government. He wished for the success of all the programmes taken marking the day. Sheikh Hasina said the loss of lives and properties from natural disasters in Bangladesh came down to single digits due to several effective measures taken by her government. Besides, Bangladesh is now a role model to the world in disaster management, the premier said.

Wildfires are increasing around the world due to increased temperatures and drier conditions. Although wildfires are a natural part of the ecology of many parts of the world, it is becoming more common due to climate change. And the climate is changing mostly due to human activity, which causes the Earth to warm and makes the air drier. Perhaps it increases the chances of wildfires. This article will take you through the ABCs of wildfire and climate change. What is Wildfire? Wildfire is a kind of natural disaster (sometimes man made) that can occur anywhere in the world. They are caused by dry conditions, strong winds, and other factors that can lead to the ignition of flammable materials. Once started, wildfires can spread quickly, consuming everything in their path. In addition to the damage, they cause to homes and businesses, wildfires also pose a serious threat to human life. Every year, thousands of people are forced to evacuate their homes due to the danger of wildfire. In some cases, such as the California wildfires of 2018, the damage caused by these disasters can cost billions of dollars. Wildfires are a destructive force of nature that everyone should take seriously. Read Landslide Safety, Preparedness Tips: Dos and Don'ts Wildfire typically occurs in areas where there is an abundance of dry vegetation that can serve as fuel for the fire. Common regions where wildfires are frequent include parts of the western United States, Australia, and Western South Africa. This year, the wildfire is at its worst. Because of the extremely hot weather around the world, many European countries are facing some dangerous wildfires in 2022. Cyprus, France, Portugal, and the UK are among the countries facing wildfire. What Causes Wildfire? When it comes to wildfires, there are a lot of factors that can contribute to their cause. Things like lightning, human activity, and even the weather can play a role in starting a fire. In dry conditions, a small spark can quickly turn into a large and out of control wildfire. That’s why it’s important to be extra careful when it comes to fire safety in areas that are prone to wildfires. Read Acid Rain: Causes, Effects and Solutions Natural Causes of Wildfire There are three natural causes of wildfires: dryness, wind, and heat. Wildfires need all three of these elements to start and spread. One of the most important things to remember about wildfires is that they can start from a tiny spark. All it takes is for the right conditions to be present, and a wildfire can quickly grow out of control. Wildfires can start when there’s a buildup of dead trees in an area. The heat from the sun can then dry out the dead trees. This can lead to a buildup of firewood, which can then be set alight by a lightning strike. Also, winds during the fire can boost the wildfire. Man Made Causes of Wildfire According to a study, about 85% of wildfires in the USA are man made, and for the rest of the world, the figure would be similar. There are many different man made causes of wildfire. The most common cause is careless human activity, such as unattended campfires, discarded cigarettes, and fireworks. Other causes can include equipment malfunctions and arson. Read Effects of Air Pollution on Unborn Children, Neonates, Infants Effects of Wildfire Wildfire is a natural part of our forest ecosystem. It helps to clear out dense undergrowth, creates openings in the forest canopy that allow sunlight to reach the ground, and helps to keep trees in check. However, wildfires can have both short-term and long-term effects on the environment. The short-term effects of wildfire can include injuries or fatalities to people and animals, damage to homes and other structures, and air pollution. The smoke can cause respiratory problems, and the ash can contaminate water supplies. Wildfires can also cause mudslides and flash floods. In the short term, a wildfire can be a devastating force. In the short term, smoke inhalation can cause a range of respiratory problems, from minor irritation to more serious conditions like bronchitis and pneumonia. In addition, wildfires can cause changes to the landscape that can lead to soil erosion and the loss of vegetation. While the immediate effects of a wildfire are well known, the long-term effects are often not as well understood. Read How to stop global warming? How to combat climate change in Bangladesh? Wildfires can have a devastating impact on human health, both in the short and long term. In the long term, exposure to wildfire smoke has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, strokes, and even cancer. The physical damage caused by a wildfire can also have a long-lasting effect. It can also cause changes in the local climate and wildlife. Economic effects can include the loss of property and infrastructure, as well as the cost of fighting the fire. Social effects can include the displacement of people, as well as the loss of life. Ways To Prevent Wildfire There are many ways that people can help prevent wildfires. Wildfire prevention starts with education. People need to be aware of the risks and how to prevent wildfires. Some of the things that people can do are: not leaving their campfires unattended, not throwing their cigarettes out the window, and not parking their cars on dry grass. Other ways to prevent wildfires are by having defensible space around their homes and by not having piles of wood or leaves close to their homes. Read Climate Change: How Bangladesh is being affected by Global Warming? Be sure to dispose of any flammable materials properly and never leave a fire unattended. By taking these precautions, you can help prevent the spread of wildfires. Final Words Wildfires can be caused by many factors, including weather conditions, human activity, and land management. By following a few simple tips, you can prevent these devastating events from happening in the first place. Educate yourself and your community about the dangers of wildfires, and be proactive when it comes to preventing them from happening.