Response to an Earthquake in Bangladesh: Experiences and Lesson Learnt

Animesh Biswas^1,2*, Saidur Rahman Mashreky², Koustuv Dalal³, Toity Deave⁴

¹Department of Public Health Science, Örebro University, Sweden.
²Centre for Injury Prevention and Research, Bangladesh (CIPRB), Dhaka, Bangladesh.
³Centre for Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion, School of Health and Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Sweden.
⁴Centre for Child & Adolescent Health, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK.

DOI: 10.4236/ojer.2016.51001                

Abstract

A powerful earthquake occurred in Nepal on 25th April 2015 where the highest measure of the tremor was 7.9 on the Richter scale with a minimum of 6.6. The death toll was around 3000 and thousands were injured in the devastation of the disaster. The earthquake and subsequent earth tremors were also felt in other South East Asian countries including Bangladesh, India and China. Bangladesh was jolted twice by tremors and, although the tremor was not as severe, it was reported to be between 4 and 5 on the Richter scale. Aftershocks over the next few days were also experienced and these ranged around 5 on the Richter scale. In Bangladesh, six lives were lost, and more than 200 people were injured and were taken to hospital. There were also many buildings that collapsed in the mega city Dhaka and its surrounding areas. This study describes the country’s response to the earthquake. This experience and the lessons learnt highlight the importance for national earthquake-proof building regulations and systems to lessen the damage and devastation of any future earthquake.

Keywords

Component, Formatting, Style, Styling

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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