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. 

Earthquake alerts on smartphones offer crucial warnings mere seconds before the shaking begins, providing vital time to seek immediate safety. Utilizing advanced technology to detect seismic activity, these alerts help minimize injuries and save lives. Enabling this feature ensures preparedness and swift response during an earthquake, making it an indispensable tool for personal safety. Here's a step-by-step guide on activating the earthquake warning system on smartphones. How to Turn On Earthquake Alerts on Android Phones Prerequisites Before proceeding, it is necessary to ensure that both mobile data and Wi-Fi are enabled to access the internet. Additionally, the phone's location services must be activated to receive accurate alerts based on the right direction. Enabling of the Alarm Locate and tap the settings icon on the home screen. Scroll down to select the 'Safety and Emergency' option. Once inside, find the 'Earthquake Alerts' option, where the switch can be toggled to activate the alert on the device. Read more: Turkey Earthquake: Why Did So Many Buildings Collapse? Generally, these steps are almost the same for most phones that support the Google Play Store or Android model. Additional Features On the same screen, there is a small feature titled 'Demo' that simulates the smartphone's alert during an earthquake. It includes sounding an alarm, displaying earthquake magnitude and distance, and providing immediate action recommendations. Furthermore, following the 'Demo' option, there is another feature called 'Learn Earthquake Safety Tips'. It redirects to Google search and automatically displays safety information without requiring a search query to be typed. Read more: Earthquake Safety: Do’s and Don’ts during an Earthquake Alternative Access for Some Devices Some Android phones may not have the 'Safety and Emergency' option in 'Settings'. In that case, the feature can be found in 'Location'. That is, after turning on the phone's location, it doesn’t need to go back to the settings. On the 'Location' screen, scroll further down to find the direct 'Earthquake Alert' option. Device Compatibility These steps are generally applicable to Android devices using Android 5 (Lollipop) and above. Versions below Android 12 may have slight variations in enabling the alarm. Read more: Earthquake Safety Tips for Parents to Keep Children Safe How to Turn on Earthquake Alarm on iPhones Apple device users should navigate to the phone's 'Settings', then select 'Notifications'. From there, scroll down on the new screen to locate 'Emergency Alerts'. Activating this option toggles the earthquake alarm. How the Alert System Works Google's Earthquake Alarm system operates by leveraging the accelerometer sensors present in Android smartphones to detect seismic activity. These sensors can detect both surface vibrations and movements within structures, providing real-time earthquake data. Data Collection and Processing When Earthquake Alarm is enabled on an Android device, the accelerometer continuously monitors for seismic tremors. Upon detecting vibrations indicative of an earthquake, the smartphone immediately sends this data to Google's central server. Read more: 10 Most Earthquake-prone Countries around the World The server aggregates data from multiple smartphones in the affected area. By analyzing the timing and intensity of tremors reported by these devices, the system determines the occurrence, magnitude, and epicenter of the earthquake. Alert Distribution Upon processing the seismic data, Google's server promptly sends alerts to Android devices located within the affected region. These alerts are crucial for providing timely warnings to users, allowing them to respond swiftly to potential seismic hazards. There are two types of warning signals sent on earthquake levels: Be Aware Signals This signal is triggered for earthquakes with a magnitude up to 4.5 on the Richter scale. It notifies users through subtle vibrations, adjusted volume levels, and 'Do Not Disturb' settings on their phones. Read more: Post-Earthquake Cautions: Do’s & Don’ts Take Action Signals When the earthquake magnitude exceeds 4.5, this warning is activated. The alert occupies the entire screen of the smartphone, overriding 'Do Not Disturb' settings to ensure immediate attention. The notification sound is prominently activated to alert users to take necessary precautions. Summing Up Activating earthquake alarms on smartphones, compatible with Android and iPhones, requires an active internet connection and enabled location services. Using accelerometer data ensures timely warnings, empowering users to respond effectively during seismic events. These alerts underscore the importance of technology in enhancing safety and disaster preparedness worldwide. Read more: Can Earthquakes Really be Predicted?

A moderate earthquake jolted parts of Bangladesh including Dhaka on Sunday (June 02, 2024) afternoon. The earthquake, measuring 5 magnitude on the Richter Scale, was felt at 2: 44 pm which lasted for a few seconds, according to Bangladesh Meteorological Department. The earthquake jolted Dhaka, Rangamati, Cumilla, Cox’s Bazar and Khagrachhari districts, said Farzana Sultana, assistant meteorologist of BMD. 5.4 magnitude earthquake jolts Bangladesh: USGS The epicentre of the earthquake was located at Mawlaik, Myanmar. The distance of the epicenter was 441 km south east from the BMD Seismic Centre in Agargaon, Dhaka, according to BMD. No damage due to the earthquake was reported at the time of filing this report. A cluster of earthquakes shakes Taiwan after a strong quake killed 13 earlier this month

The history of earthquakes is nothing less than terrifying. Whether it’s the 1556 Shaanxi earthquake or something as recent as the 2023 Turkey–Syria earthquake, every major earthquake in the world involves destruction and death. For centuries, scientists, geologists, saints, and seers alike have searched for answers to one inevitable question: Can earthquakes be predicted? Let’s try to find out. Myths about Earthquakes and Predicting Them The phenomenon of earthquakes has long been attributed to mythical and otherworldly happenings. Thousands of years ago, the occurrence of an earthquake not only brought destruction but also paved the way for the fear of the unknown and faith in supernatural power.  The concept of an earthquake is often attributed to Poseidon, the god of the sea in Greek mythology. It is said that Poseidon uses his trident to shake the earth which causes earthquakes. Similar stories are found in Japanese mythology where the giant catfish Namazu causes earthquakes. According to Mongolian mythology, the earth is placed on the back of a giant frog. When the frog stumbles, it causes earthquakes. Read more: 10 Most Earthquake-prone Countries around the World But beyond the myths, there are also some common misconceptions about earthquake predictions. Unlike the myths, these aren’t quite outlandish and are often passed on as hard facts. Some of the common misconceptions regarding earthquake prediction include:  - Animals can predict earthquake - There are always advanced signs of earthquakes - Earthquake is preceded by sudden weather change - Planetary alignment influences earthquake - Increased seismic activity is a precursor for a large earthquake - A series of small earthquakes deters the chance of a large earthquake in a region. Unfortunately, none of these concepts are true. There is no set pattern to earthquakes and neither does it have any identifiable precursors. And that brings us to the all-important question.  Read more: Earthquake Safety Tips for Parents to Keep Children Safe

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.

Another light earthquake jolted parts of Dhaka today (September 17, 2023), just six days after a mild tremor. The earthquake, measuring 4.2 magnitude on the Richter Scale, was felt at 12:49 pm -- lasted only for a few seconds, according to a Bangladesh Meteorological Department update signed by Assistant Meteorologist Farzana Sultana. The epicentre of the earthquake was in Tangali district, 59 km northwest of the BMD Seismic Centre in Dhaka’s Agargaon, it said. Read: Earthquake jolts Sylhet again No casualties were reported. Earlier, on September 9, a mild earthquake jolted parts of Sylhet region. The earthquake, measuring 4.4 magnitude on the Richter Scale, originated in the Cachar district of India's Assam and lasted for a few seconds. Read more: 3.5 magnitude earthquake jolts Sylhet

Earthquakes are natural disasters that can strike without warning and leave devastation in their wake. These powerful tremors can be especially frightening to children. Let’s take a look at some essential earthquake safety tips for parents to ensure their children's safety and well-being.  Tips to Keep Children Safe During and After an Earthquake  The following guidelines can provide parents with the essential knowledge to keep their children safe during and after earthquakes.  Create a Family Emergency Plan Creating a Family Emergency Plan is the foundation of disaster readiness. It involves establishing specific meeting locations within and outside home, ensuring everyone, especially children, knows where to gather during an earthquake or other emergencies. This plan enhances safety and preparedness for your entire family. Read more: Turkey Earthquake: Why Did So Many Buildings Collapse? Educate Your Children Educating children about earthquakes is crucial for their safety. Parents should engage them in open conversations, emphasizing the need to remain calm during seismic events. It is recommended to apply language suited to the age of children to make them understand the situation without inducing undue fear. It will empower them to respond confidently in such situations. Practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On Practicing 'Drop, Cover, and Hold On' with children is vital to earthquake preparedness. Parents  can teach their kids activities like instinctively dropping to the ground, seeking shelter under sturdy furniture, and holding on during tremors. These simple yet effective techniques can ensure their safety until the earthquake subsides. Identify Safe Zones It would be better to teach children to recognize areas free from hazards. Identifying safe zones within each room is crucial for earthquake safety. Parents may encourage them to stay in these designated safe spots during an earthquake. It will reduce the risk of injury from falling debris or shattered glass.  Read more: 6.2 magnitude earthquake shakes part of Philippines southwest of the capital

Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan has reiterated his stance for working with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to take the existing bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Turkey to a new height. The re-elected president of Turkey said this during a telephone call to PM Hasina at around 11:15 pm on Wednesday (May 31, 2023). The two leaders exchanged greetings and spoke to each other for 10 minutes, according to a press release from PMO Press Wing. Hasina congratulated Erdogan on securing victory at the second round election, where the voter turnout rate was above 86 percent. Read more: What 5 more years of Erdogan's rule means for Turkey She expressed her happiness over her confidence that the people of Turkey would make the right choice, which was proved after the runoff election. PM Hasina reiterated that the People of Bangladesh would remain steadfast to stand by the brotherly people of Turkey at any time of need, as during the February 2023 earthquake. President Erdogan expressed his gratitude that the brotherly people of Bangladesh mentally joined the jubilant people of Turkey at his victory in the second round election. To this end, he thanked the people of Bangladesh and wished to further strengthen the ties between the two peoples. Read more: Turkey's Erdogan retains power, now faces challenges over the economy and earthquake recovery Hasina conveyed her best wishes to Erdogan and his family members and wished continued peace, progress, and prosperity through him to the people of Turkey.

Early in his political career, a devastating earthquake and economic troubles helped propel Recep Tayyip Erdogan to power in Turkey. Two decades later, similar circumstances are putting his leadership at risk. The highly divisive and populist Erdogan is seeking a third consecutive term as president on May 14, after three stints as prime minister, which would extend his rule into a third decade. He already is Turkey’s longest-serving leader. The presidential and parliamentary elections could be the most challenging yet for the 69-year-old Erdogan. Most opinion polls point to a slight lead by his opponent, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, who heads the secular, center-left Republican People’s Party, or CHP. The outcome of the presidential race could well be determined in a runoff vote May 28. Erdogan is facing a tough test in this election because of public outrage over rising inflation and his handling of the Feb. 6 earthquake in southern Turkey that killed over 50,000 people, leveled cities and left millions without homes. His political adversaries say the government was slow to respond and that its failure to enforce building codes is to blame for the high death toll. Some even point to government malfeasance after a 1999 earthquake in northwestern Turkey near the city of Izmit that killed about 18,000 people, saying that taxes imposed from that disaster were misspent and worsened the effects of this year's quake. Also Read: Erdogan hints Turkey may ratify Finland's NATO membership The political party founded by Erdogan in 2001 came to power amid an economic crisis and the Izmit quake. His Justice and Development Party, or AKP, capitalized on public anger over government mishandling of the disaster, and Erdogan became prime minister in 2003 and has never relinquished leadership of the country. Still, even with resentment directed toward Erdogan over his handling of the February quake and the economy, analysts caution against underestimating him, pointing to his enduring appeal among working- and middle-class religious voters who had long felt alienated by Turkey's former secular and Western-leaning elites. Erdogan's nationalist policies, often confrontational stance against the West and moves that have raised Islam's profile in the country continue to resonate among conservative supporters. They point to an economic boom in the first half of his rule that lifted many people out of poverty, adding that his past successes are proof of his ability to turn things around. “There is an economic crisis in Turkey, we can’t deny it. And yes, this economic crisis has had a huge impact on us,” said Sabit Celik, a 38-year-old shop owner selling cleaning products in Istanbul. “But still, I don’t think anyone else (but Erdogan) can come and fix this.” “I think our salvation is through the (ruling party) again,” he said. Many also point to major infrastructure projects begun during his tenure — highways, bridges, airports, hospitals, and low-income housing. Erdogan himself has conceded that there were shortcomings in the early days of the February earthquake but insisted the situation was quickly brought under control. Since then, he has focused his reelection campaign on reconstructing quake-stricken areas, promising to build 319,000 homes within the year. At rally after rally, he has touted past projects as proof that only his government can restore the region. Erdogan has announced a series of spending measures to bring temporary relief to those hardest-hit by inflation, including raising minimum wages and pensions, enacting measures to allow some people to take early retirement, and providing assistance to consumers for electricity and natural gas. He also has focused on the defense sector, boosting production of drones and fighter jets and building an amphibious landing vessel that the government describes as “the world’s first drone carrier.” “While we were a country that could not even produce pins, an unmanned aerial plane flew above our skies the other day,” said Mustafa Agaoglu, another Erdogan supporter in Istanbul. “We now have our warships, our aircraft carriers, our roads, our bridges, our city hospitals.” Erdogan has timed a host of openings to coincide with the election campaign. Last month, he presided at a ceremony marking the delivery of natural gas from recently discovered Black Sea reserves, offering free gas to households for a month. This week, he announced the discovery of a new oil reserve in the country's southeast, with a capacity of 100,000 barrels per day. When he suffered a brief intestinal illness that sidelined him for a few days, he took part via video in an event marking the delivery of fuel to Turkey’s first nuclear power plant. Then, on Sunday, he said Turkey’s intelligence teams had killed the leader of the Islamic State group in a special operation in northern Syria — an announcement that seemed designed to bolster his image as a strong leader. In the upcoming election, six parties have united behind his main opponent, Kilicdaroglu, despite their disparate political views. The coalition, known as the Nation Alliance, has vowed to reverse the democratic backsliding and crackdowns on free speech and dissent under Erdogan, seeking to scrap the powerful presidential system he introduced that concentrates vast authority in his hands. As in previous years, Erdogan has waged a bitter campaign, lashing out at Kilicdaroglu and other opponents. He accused them of colluding with what he calls terrorists. This year, he has also tried to disparage the opposition by saying it supported “deviant” LGBTQ+ rights that he says threaten Turkey's “sacred family structure.” On Monday, he portrayed the election as a “choice between two futures.” “Either we will elect those who take care of the family institution, which is the main pillar of society, or those who have the support of deviant minds that are hostile to the family,” Erdogan said. He has expanded his alliance with two nationalist parties to include two small Islamist parties that call for amendments to a law protecting women against violence, arguing it encourages divorce. Opposition parties again are complaining of an uneven playing field during the campaign, accusing Erdogan of using state resources as well as his government's overwhelming control over the media. Some also are questioning whether Erdogan would agree to a peaceful transfer of power should he lose. In 2019, Erdogan challenged the results of a local election in Istanbul after his ruling party lost the mayoral seat there, only to suffer an even more embarrassing defeat in a second balloting.

A magnitude 6.5 earthquake rattled much of Pakistan and Afghanistan on Tuesday, sending panicked residents fleeing from homes and offices and frightening people in remote villages. At least 11 people died in the two countries. More than 100 people were brought to hospitals in the Swat valley region of Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in a state of shock, Bilal Faizi, a spokesman for Pakistan's emergency services told The Associated Press. “These terrified people collapsed, and some of them collapsed because of the shock of the earthquake,” he said. Faizi said most were later discharged from the hospital. Faizi and other officials said nine people were killed when roofs collapsed in various parts of northwestern Pakistan. Dozens of others were injured in the quake, which was centered in Afghanistan and also felt in bordering Tajikistan. The earthquake triggered landslides in some of the mountainous areas, disrupting traffic. Also Read: 6.5 magnitude quake rattles Afghanistan, Pakistan Taimoor Khan, a spokesman for the provincial disaster management authority in the northwest, said at least 19 mudbrick homes collapsed in remote areas. “We are still collecting data about the damages,” he said. The powerful tremors sent many people fleeing their homes and offices in Pakistan's capital of Islamabad, some reciting verses from the Quran, Islam's holy book. Media reports suggested cracks had appeared in some apartment buildings in the city. In Afghanistan, Sharafat Zaman Amar, Taliban’s appointed spokesman for the public health ministry said, so far at least two people died and around 20 others were injured in the earthquake in Afghanistan. Zaman Amar said “Unfortunately, there could be more casualties as the quake was so powerful, in most parts of the country” all hospitals and health facilities are ready to save lives of people, he added. The scene was repeated in Kabul and other parts of Afghanistan. "The quake was so strong and terrifying, we thought houses are collapsing on us, people were all shouting and were shocked,” said Shafiullah Azimi, a Kabul resident. Aziz Ahmad, 45, another Kabul resident, said “In my life this was first time I have experienced such powerful quake, everyone was terrified,” He added he and all his neighbors stayed out of their homes for hours, afraid of aftershocks. “We couldn't dare to get back homes." The U.S. Geological Survey said the epicenter of the magnitude 6.5 quake was 40 kilometers (25 miles) south-southeast of Jurm in Afghanistan's mountainous Hindukush region, bordering Pakistan and Tajikistan. The quake struck 188 kilometers (116 miles) deep below the Earth's surface, causing it to felt over a wide area. Physician Rakhshinda Tauseed was at her hospital in the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore when the earthquake hit. “I quickly asked patients to go move to a safer place,” she said. Khurram Shahzad, a resident in Pakistan's garrison city of Rawalpindi, said he was having dinner with his family at a restaurant when the walls started swaying. “I quickly thought that it is a big one, and we left the restaurant and came out,” he told The Associated Press by phone. He said he saw hundreds of people standing on the streets. The situation was similar in Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on the border with Afghanistan, where people were seen standing outside their homes and offices. Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif in a statement said he asked disaster management officials to remain vigilant to handle any situation. Zabihullah Mujahid, the main spokesman for the Taliban government in Afghanistan, tweeted that the Ministry of Public Health had ordered all health centers to be on standby. The region is prone to violent seismic upheavals. A magnitude 7.6 quake in 2005 killed thousands of people in Pakistan and Kashmir. Last year in southeastern Afghanistan, a 6.1 magnitude quake struck a rugged, mountainous region, flattening stone and mud-brick homes. Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers put the total death toll from the quake at 1,150, with hundreds more injured, while the U.N. has offered a lower estimate of 770.