Myanmar-Thailand quake: Fire Service urges precautions

Two strong earthquakes have struck different parts of Myanmar and Thailand. The magnitudes of the two earthquakes were 7.7 and 6.4 on the Richter scale, respectively. Now, Bangladesh is at risk of an earthquake of the same magnitude as well, the Fire Service and Civil Defence Department said.

This was confirmed in a press release issued by the Fire Service and Civil Defence on Saturday (March 29).

The Fire Service said that the areas of Chattogram, Sylhet, Mymensingh and Dhaka are particularly at high risk.

The Fire Service has urged public and relevant stakeholders to take precautionary measures to reduce the impact of possible earthquakes.

Key measures recommended include:

1. Adherence to the Bangladesh National Building Code (2020) for constructing earthquake-resistant structures.

2. Taking necessary steps to repair and reinforce old and at-risk buildings.

3. Reinforcing fire prevention systems in all multi-storey and commercial buildings.

4. Ensuring the integrity of utility lines such as gas, water, and electricity.

5. Organizing regular earthquake drills and awareness campaigns at individual and institutional levels to ensure preparedness.

6. Ensuring emergency phone numbers, such as those for fire services, ambulances, police, hospitals, and other critical services, are clearly displayed in public and private buildings.

7. Promoting volunteer training to effectively respond during disasters.

8. Keeping essential emergency items such as flashlights, radios (with spare batteries), whistles, hammers, helmets/cushions, non-perishable food, clean water, necessary medicines, first aid kits, and child care supplies at designated spots in homes.

9. Assisting relevant authorities in disaster monitoring and preparedness activities.