Meteorologists and experts warned of a possible major earthquake after repeated five to six mild tremors in Sylhet district within a couple of days recently. They also urged all for early awareness and preparedness.
It originated in Meghalaya, India. There are numerous geological crack lines. It can create a big earthquake or a small earthquake.
Dhaka University Earth Observatory (DUEO) was established in February 2003 in collaboration with Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory (LDEO) of Columbia University, New York, USA. DUEO operates network of 6 permanent seismic stations, 11 portable seismographs and 25 continuous geodetic GPS stations in the country.
Professor Syed Humayun Akhtar, director of DUEO, told Bangladesh Post, “These quakes are indication that it is active and there could be a major earthquake here at any time in future. There are a lot of natural energy resources.”
Professor Humayun also said that there are two main sources of 'dangerous earthquakes' in the country. One of them is the 300 km long Dauki Fault. Another is the Teknaf-Chattagram Hill Tracts subduction zone.
The Earth Observatory has identified the epicenter of the quake near Lalakhal in the Jaintapur area of Sylhet, near the eastern end the dangerous Dauki Fault.
Professor Humayun Akhtar has been researching the tendency of earthquakes since 2003. His research model states that Bangladesh is located at the junction of three dynamic plates, Indian, Eurasian and Burma.
He said, “It should be kept in mind that the way energy has been stored in two regions inside Bangladesh for a long time it can cause earthquakes of up to eight magnitudes. It can be occurred once or it can be occurred repeatedly. But it is not possible to predict it early.”
According to the Meteorological Department's Seismological Observatory, at least five earthquakes were recorded in Sylhet between 10am and 2pm on Saturday, with the epicenter at 196 to 232km northeast of Dhaka.
Geologist Humayun said that in 1922 there was a 7.6 magnitude earthquake in Habiganj region. In 1918 there was also a 7.5 magnitude earthquake. There was another big earthquake around hundred years ago. A month ago, an earthquake with 6 magnitude shook the Assam border at the northern end of the Dauki Fault. That means ‘Dauki Fault is very risk-prone’.
“There are risks. So, we are under threat. So we need mental preparation. All preparation and training will have to be arranged in coordination with the Ministry of Disaster Management. Training was given many years ago. It must go on. The biggest thing is to do the rehearsal every year,” he added.
He said, “The city mayors in Dhaka, Chittagong and Sylhet have to arrange rehearsals in the city. Volunteers need to be trained up. They need to know about the safety.”
Meteorologist Mominul said, “Earthquakes have triggers and aftershocks. Sometimes there are small tremors before a big earthquake. The Sylhet region is risky to earthquakes. We need to be careful. Besides, there is a history of big earthquakes in that region.”
He also said, “We have to take precautionary measures. The buildings must be built following the building code. It will be then possible to prevent the damage of small and medium scale earthquakes. ”
Experts advised not to be panicked in case of an earthquake. Stay close to the pillars of the building without wasting time during an earthquake. Initially, if possible, stay under the table or bed. And if anyone can’t get out of the building, he or she has to stay in an empty area. At the same time, there should be proper preparation for rescue and service, they said.
To reduce the risk of earthquakes, "The first step is to build earthquake-resistant buildings in compliance with the building code, which will be earthquake-tolerant. The rescue and search teams need to be strengthened by enhancing their skills. In the meantime, it is very essential to raise awareness among people about earthquake.
