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Friday | 10 January 2025 | Epaper
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Strengthening disaster preparedness in Bangladesh

Published : Friday, 10 January, 2025 at 12:00 AM  Count : 157
Nafew Sajed Joy
In times of disaster, the brave men and women of the Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defense are often the first to respond. Whether it's fighting fires, rescuing people trapped under rubble, or rushing critically ill patients to the hospital, they put their lives on the line to protect others. As an emergency service under the Ministry of Home Affairs, their role is vital in both natural and man-made crises.

Rising Earthquake Risks in Bangladesh: Over the past three months, Bangladesh has experienced more than 50 earthquakes, ranging from mild to severe. In the last 15 years, the country has recorded over 150 tremors. Experts are sounding the alarm, warning that these could be harbingers of a much larger earthquake. Dhaka, one of the world's 20 most earthquake-prone cities, is especially vulnerable, and the potential consequences are nothing short of catastrophic. Other regions like Sylhet, Rangpur, Mymensingh, and Chattogram are also at high risk.

The geological situation is deeply concerning. Tectonic plates running through Bangladesh, linking India and Myanmar, have been building seismic energy for centuries. Experts warn that a massive earthquake, possibly with a magnitude of 8 or 9, could turn Dhaka into rubble. According to a joint study by BUET and the government, a 7.5-magnitude earthquake alone could cause 72,000 buildings in Dhaka to collapse, creating 70 million tons of debris and taking countless lives.

Adding to the threat, global warming is intensifying natural disasters, making them more frequent and severe. Despite these looming risks, successive governments have done little to prepare for such a disaster. Instead, unplanned urbanization continues, with rampant violations of building codes, fragile infrastructure, and no centralized system for monitoring or enforcement-all of which amplify the dangers we face.

The warning signs are clear, and the stakes couldn't be higher. Bangladesh needs to act now before it's too late.

Lessons from Global Practices: Other countries offer powerful examples of how to prepare for and respond to disasters-lessons that Bangladesh can adapt to its unique context:

Japan: The National Fire Service Team for Disaster Response (NFSTDR) operates under a unified framework, allowing different regions to provide mutual support during emergencies. Japan's organized and highly efficient approach to disaster management sets a global benchmark for readiness and coordination.

ASEAN Region: The ASEAN Emergency Response and Assessment Team (ASEAN-ERAT) specializes in rapid needs assessments and disaster response, offering critical support to affected countries in the region. Their structured approach ensures a timely and effective response to crises.

Australia: Collaboration is at the heart of disaster preparedness in Australia. State emergency services work closely with organizations like Disaster Relief Australia to strengthen disaster recovery efforts. Their model emphasizes the importance of partnerships and shared responsibility in managing emergencies.

These examples demonstrate the vital role of centralized disaster management systems, skilled personnel, and modern equipment. By learning from these practices, Bangladesh can significantly enhance its disaster preparedness and build a more resilient response framework.

A Call for a Dedicated Disaster Response Team: Bangladesh desperately needs a specialized disaster response team, one designed to respond quickly and effectively when crises hit. This team could function under a central command, with branches extending to district and sub-district levels, ensuring that no corner of the country is left unprepared. The team can be formed by integrating existing forces or through recruiting and training new personnel to tackle the growing complexities of disaster scenarios.

To make this a reality, certain priorities must be addressed: Skilled Personnel: We need a comprehensive training program to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills required to handle diverse and challenging disaster situations. Modern Equipment: Investing in advanced tools and technology isn't optional-it's essential to boost efficiency and response times during emergencies. Coordination: A centralized framework is vital to bring all relevant agencies together, ensuring that everyone works in unison when it matters most. Public Awareness: Educating people about the importance of disaster preparedness and strict adherence to building codes is equally critical in reducing vulnerabilities.

This isn't just an idea-it's a necessity. With natural and man-made disasters becoming increasingly frequent and severe, action cannot be delayed any longer. Bangladesh must prioritize the formation of a specialized disaster response team now. By drawing on global best practices and capitalizing on the unwavering dedication of existing forces, the country can establish a resilient framework to confront future challenges head-on.

The Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defense have consistently shown their commitment and courage in the face of adversity. Strengthening their foundation by introducing a dedicated disaster response team will allow us to save more lives, reduce damage, and build a safer tomorrow. After all, as the age-old wisdom reminds us, "Prevention is better than cure."

The writer is a  Researcher


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