Play store
A powerful earthquake measuring above 7.0 on the Richter scale could cause the collapse of between 150,000 and 200,000 buildings in the capital, posing an unprecedented challenge for emergency responders, Fire Service and Civil Defence Director General Brig Gen Muhammad Jahed Kamal, ndc, afwc, psc, has warned.
He made the remarks on Monday at the closing ceremony of a two-day fire safety training programme for members of the Crime Reporters Association of Bangladesh (CRAB), organised by the Fire Service and Civil Defence Headquarters in Dhaka.
“If an earthquake of more than 7 magnitude strikes Dhaka, between 150,000 and 200,000 buildings could collapse,” the Fire Service chief said, highlighting the enormous risks posed by a major seismic event in the densely populated capital.
Referring to the 2013 Rana Plaza building collapse in Savar, Brig Gen Jahed Kamal noted that it had taken rescuers more than 17 days to complete the recovery operation. He questioned whether rescue operations on a similar scale would even be possible if a major earthquake struck Dhaka, given the potential extent of destruction.
Responding to a frequently asked question about the Fire Service’s preparedness for a major earthquake, he said the force’s response capacity would largely depend on the scale of the disaster.
“Our capability exists, but we also have limitations. The actual situation will only become clear if such an earthquake occurs,” he said.
The Director General urged firefighters to prioritise their own safety during rescue operations and advised journalists covering disasters in the field to take adequate personal safety precautions while gathering news.
The two-day training programme, held on August 2 and 3 at the Fire Service headquarters, was attended by 48 CRAB reporters.
Participants received hands-on training in fire suppression, emergency rescue techniques, first aid, earthquake preparedness and personal safety measures for journalists covering emergency situations.
Among those present at the closing ceremony were Fire Service Director (Training, Planning and Development) Lt Col MA Azad Anwar, psc, Deputy Director of Dhaka Division Md Saleh Uddin, BFM (Bar), Assistant Director (Training) Md Mostafa Mohsin, BFM, and CRAB General Secretary MM Badsha.
At the end of the programme, Lt Col MA Azad Anwar distributed certificates among the participants on behalf of the Fire Service and Civil Defence.