Earthquake in Bangladesh: Causes, Impacts, and Precautions

What is an earthquake?

An earthquake is a natural disaster that occurs when two blocks of the Earth’s crust suddenly slip past each other, creating seismic waves that shake the ground. Bangladesh, a small country in South Asia, is located on the world’s largest river delta and is prone to earthquakes. In this article, we will discuss the causes and impacts of earthquakes in Bangladesh, as well as the precautions that can be taken to minimize their effects.

 

Causes of Earthquake in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is situated on the boundary of two tectonic plates, the Indian and the Eurasian plates. These plates are constantly moving and colliding, resulting in seismic activity that can cause earthquakes. Additionally, Bangladesh is located in an area where the Indian Ocean meets the Bay of Bengal, making it vulnerable to earthquakes that are triggered by the movement of underwater tectonic plates.

 

Impacts of Earthquake in Bangladesh

Earthquakes can have significant impacts on Bangladesh, both in terms of human life and infrastructure. The country’s densely populated cities, such as Dhaka and Chittagong, are particularly vulnerable to earthquakes, as many of the buildings are poorly constructed and lack proper reinforcement. In the event of an earthquake, these buildings can collapse, trapping people inside and causing significant loss of life.

 

Moreover, earthquakes can also cause landslides, which can further exacerbate the damage caused by the earthquake. In addition to the loss of life, earthquakes can also disrupt essential services, such as electricity and water supply, making it difficult for people to access basic necessities in the aftermath of an earthquake.

 

Precautions for Earthquake in Bangladesh

Given the significant impacts of earthquakes in Bangladesh, it is crucial to take appropriate precautions to minimize their effects. Some of the precautions that can be taken include:

 

Building earthquake-resistant structures: Buildings in Bangladesh should be constructed with earthquake-resistant materials and techniques to minimize the risk of collapse during an earthquake.

 

Developing early warning systems: Early warning systems can alert people to the impending danger of an earthquake, giving them time to evacuate to safety.

 

Educating people on earthquake safety: People in Bangladesh should be educated on earthquake safety and taught how to respond in the event of an earthquake.

 

Conducting regular earthquake drills: Regular earthquake drills can help people prepare for earthquakes and respond appropriately in the event of an earthquake.

 

Reinforcing critical infrastructure: Critical infrastructure, such as hospitals and power plants, should be reinforced to ensure that they can withstand the impact of an earthquake.

 

Latest Earthquake in Bangladesh

In recent years, Bangladesh has experienced several earthquakes, ranging in magnitude from 4.2 to 5.5 on the Richter scale. The most recent earthquake occurred on September 1, 2022, with a magnitude of 5.5 on the Richter scale. The earthquake was centered in the northeast region of the country, close to the Indian border, and caused damage to some buildings and injured several people.

 

Minimizing the Impact of Earthquake in Bangladesh

The earthquakes are a significant natural disaster that can have severe impacts on Bangladesh, both in terms of human life and infrastructure. By taking appropriate precautions, such as building earthquake-resistant structures, developing early warning systems, educating people on earthquake safety, conducting regular earthquake drills, and reinforcing critical infrastructure, the impact of earthquakes in Bangladesh can be minimized. It is crucial for the government and people of Bangladesh to work together to ensure that the country is prepared for earthquakes and other natural disasters.

When was the last earthquake in Bangladesh?

The last earthquake in Bangladesh occurred on September 1, 2022, with a magnitude of 5.5 on the Richter scale. It was centered in the northeast region of the country, close to the Indian border. The earthquake caused damage to some buildings and injured several people.

 

When was the biggest earthquake in Bangladesh?

The biggest earthquake in Bangladesh occurred on April 2, 1897, with a magnitude of 8.1 on the Richter scale. The earthquake caused widespread destruction and claimed the lives of around 1,500 people. It was one of the deadliest earthquakes in the history of Bangladesh.

 

Latest Earthquake in Bangladesh:

https://www.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/environment/iin9p4p1ug

https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/us6000k9kw

What to do during an earthquake?

During an earthquake, it’s crucial to stay calm and take immediate action to protect yourself. If you are indoors, stay away from windows, doors, and other objects that could fall on you. Drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy desk or table, and hold on until the shaking stops. If you are outdoors, move to an open area away from buildings, trees, and power lines.

 

Earthquake in Bangladesh 2023: Is there any prediction?

There is no way to predict when an earthquake will occur. However, scientists and researchers are constantly studying the seismic activity in Bangladesh and its surrounding regions to better understand the nature of earthquakes and minimize their impact on human life.

 

List of Earthquake in Bangladesh

Over the years, Bangladesh has experienced several earthquakes, ranging from minor tremors to major quakes that caused widespread destruction. Here’s a list of some of the significant earthquakes that have occurred in Bangladesh:

 

April 2, 1897: 8.1 magnitude earthquake, claimed around 1,500 lives.

June 9, 1962: 6.0 magnitude earthquake, caused significant damage to buildings and infrastructure.

November 10, 1970: 6.9 magnitude earthquake, caused landslides and claimed hundreds of lives.

December 26, 2004: 9.1 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Sumatra caused a tsunami that devastated Bangladesh’s coastal regions.

Here is a table for the List of Earthquake in Bangladesh:

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Date                                        Location                                  Magnitude

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26 June 2019                           Chattogram                             4.6

22 November 2018                 Cox’s Bazar District                 5.0

28 May 2015                           India-Bangladesh border        5.6

16 March 2015                       Srimangal, Sylhet                    4.4

21 January 2011                     Rangpur District                      4.9

9 September 2010                  Bangladesh-India border        6.1

27 July 1989                            Dhaka                                      5.0

26 December 2004                 Sumatra earthquake               Tsunami in Cox’s Bazar

8 October 2005                       Srimangal, Sylhet                    4.8

27 May 2006                           Chittagong Hill Tracts             6.3

2 September 2008                  Nilgiri, Bandarban                   6.0

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Details of the Earthquakes in Bangladesh:

26 June 2019, Chattogram:

A 4.6 magnitude earthquake jolted Chattogram, a port city in southeastern Bangladesh. The quake occurred at a depth of 10km and was felt across the city and its adjoining areas.

 

22 November 2018, Cox’s Bazar District:

A 5.0 magnitude earthquake struck Cox’s Bazar District, a popular tourist destination in Bangladesh. The quake occurred at a depth of 10km and was felt across the district.

 

28 May 2015, India-Bangladesh border:

A 5.6 magnitude earthquake hit the India-Bangladesh border, with its epicenter near the Indian city of Imphal. The quake was felt across Bangladesh, including in the capital city of Dhaka.

 

16 March 2015, Srimangal, Sylhet:

A 4.4 magnitude earthquake hit Srimangal, a town in Sylhet division of Bangladesh. The quake was felt across the town and its surrounding areas.

 

21 January 2011, Rangpur District:

A 4.9 magnitude earthquake hit Rangpur District in northern Bangladesh. The quake occurred at a depth of 10km and was felt across the district.

 

9 September 2010, Bangladesh-India border:

A 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck the Bangladesh-India border, with its epicenter near the Indian city of Gangtok. The quake was felt across Bangladesh, including in the capital city of Dhaka.

 

27 July 1989, Dhaka:

A 5.0 magnitude earthquake hit Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh. The quake was felt across the city and its adjoining areas.

 

26 December 2004, Sumatra earthquake:

 

A massive earthquake with a magnitude of 9.1 struck off the coast of Sumatra, triggering a deadly tsunami that also hit the Cox’s Bazar coast in Bangladesh. The tsunami caused widespread damage and loss of life in Cox’s Bazar.

 

8 October 2005, Srimangal, Sylhet:

A 4.8 magnitude earthquake hit Srimangal, a town in Sylhet division of Bangladesh. The quake was felt across the town and its surrounding areas.

 

27 May 2006, Chittagong Hill Tracts:

A 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck the Chittagong Hill Tracts region in southeastern Bangladesh. The quake was felt across the region and its adjoining areas.

 

2 September 2008, Nilgiri, Bandarban:

A 6.0 magnitude earthquake hit Nilgiri, a hill station in Bandarban district of Bangladesh. The quake was felt across the district and its surrounding areas.

What are the possible risks of earthquake in Bangladesh?

 

Bangladesh is located in a seismically active zone and experiences earthquakes of varying magnitudes from time to time. As a result, there are several possible risks associated with earthquakes in Bangladesh.

 

One of the major risks of earthquakes in Bangladesh is the potential for loss of life and property damage. The country has a high population density and many of its buildings and infrastructure are not built to withstand earthquakes. As a result, even moderate earthquakes can result in significant damage and loss of life.

 

Another risk is the potential for secondary hazards such as landslides and tsunamis. Earthquakes can trigger landslides in hilly regions and can cause damage to infrastructure such as roads and bridges, further complicating rescue and relief efforts.

 

In addition, earthquakes can disrupt essential services such as power, water, and communication systems, which can make it challenging for emergency responders to provide aid to affected communities.

 

Bangladesh is also vulnerable to liquefaction, a phenomenon that occurs when soil loses its strength and stiffness due to the shaking caused by an earthquake. Liquefaction can cause buildings and other structures to sink or tilt, and can also damage underground infrastructure such as pipelines and sewers.

 

Overall, the risks associated with earthquakes in Bangladesh are significant and require careful planning and preparation to mitigate their potential impact. This includes developing and enforcing building codes that are designed to withstand earthquakes, improving infrastructure and emergency response systems, and educating the public on earthquake preparedness and response.

How to reduce the damage and loss from earthquakes in Bangladesh

Reducing the damage and loss caused by earthquakes in Bangladesh requires a comprehensive approach that involves a range of stakeholders, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, private sector organizations, and individuals. Here is an outline of some strategies that can be implemented to reduce the impact of earthquakes in Bangladesh:

 

Building codes and regulations for earthquake in Bangladesh.

 

Develop and enforce building codes and regulations that are designed to withstand seismic activity

Conduct regular inspections of buildings and infrastructure to ensure compliance with these codes and regulations

Encourage the use of earthquake-resistant materials and construction techniques in new construction projects

Retrofit existing buildings and infrastructure to improve their ability to withstand earthquakes

Emergency response systems

 

Establish and maintain robust emergency response systems that can quickly and effectively respond to earthquake events

Conduct regular training and drills for emergency responders and the public to ensure they are prepared to respond in the event of an earthquake

Develop and maintain a network of emergency shelters and other facilities to house and support displaced individuals and families

Public education and awareness

 

Conduct public education campaigns to raise awareness of earthquake risks and how to prepare for and respond to them

Encourage individuals and families to create emergency kits and plans in the event of an earthquake

Promote the importance of earthquake insurance and encourage individuals and families to purchase coverage

Infrastructure improvements

 

Improve critical infrastructure such as power, water, and communication systems to make them more resilient to earthquake events

Conduct regular assessments of infrastructure to identify vulnerabilities and prioritize improvements

Develop and maintain an early warning system that can provide advance notice of earthquake events

Overall, reducing the damage and loss caused by earthquakes in Bangladesh requires a multi-pronged approach that involves a combination of building codes and regulations, emergency response systems, public education and awareness, and infrastructure improvements. By working together, stakeholders can help to minimize the impact of earthquakes on individuals, families, and communities in Bangladesh.