Following the devastating earthquakes that recently struck Myanmar and Thailand, which have claimed over 1,000 lives, Bangladesh’s Fire Service and Civil Defence has issued an urgent warning about the country’s own vulnerability to a similar disaster. The department’s warning comes as a direct result of the powerful quakes, measuring 7.7 and 6.4 on the Richter scale, that caused widespread destruction in neighboring Myanmar and Thailand. The Fire Service and Civil Defence have emphasized that regions such as Chittagong, Sylhet, Mymensingh, and Dhaka are at high risk of experiencing a major earthquake in the near future.
In response to the rising threat, the Fire Service and Civil Defence Directorate has urged authorities at all levels to take proactive steps to minimize potential damage and loss of life. The department highlighted the need for earthquake-resistant infrastructure, particularly in buildings constructed before the introduction of the Bangladesh National Building Code in 2020. Renovating and reinforcing older structures is critical to ensuring they can withstand seismic activity. Additionally, the Fire Service has stressed the importance of upgrading fire prevention systems in multi-storey and commercial buildings, as these structures are especially vulnerable during an earthquake.
The Fire Service also underscored the need for heightened safety measures regarding utility services such as gas, water, and electricity. Ensuring these services remain intact during a quake is essential to avoid secondary disasters. Alongside these structural measures, the Fire Service and Civil Defence have called for regular earthquake preparedness drills at both individual and institutional levels. Such drills can help ensure that citizens know how to respond effectively in the event of a disaster. Moreover, authorities have advised that emergency contact numbers for key services—such as fire departments, hospitals, and police—be stored in visible locations and be easily accessible.
To further enhance preparedness, the Fire Service recommends that households equip themselves with emergency supplies. These should include items such as torches with extra batteries, radios, whistles, hammers, helmets, dry food, clean water, essential medicines, first aid kits, and baby care items. These supplies should be kept in easily accessible places within homes, particularly in case residents become trapped following an earthquake. The Fire Service has urged citizens to cooperate with monitoring agencies and local authorities to strengthen community-wide readiness.
In addition to the directives issued, the Fire Service and Civil Defence have already launched several initiatives aimed at raising public awareness about earthquake preparedness and response. The department has emphasized the importance of collective efforts to minimize the damage and loss of life should a disaster occur. For urgent assistance or more information, the Fire Service and Civil Defence Directorate has provided the public with contact details, including the hotline 102 and the mobile number 01722856867.
