S A Shofiee, Sylhet:
Panic is increasing in Sylhet city and surrounding areas due to earthquakes and aftershocks. Sometimes tremors are felt from the Dawki fault in Meghalaya, India, and sometimes from within the Sylhet division, causing concern among the city residents.
Experts warn that the risk of earthquakes is increasing as local faults that have been inactive for a long time have become active.
Deputy Commissioner of Sylhet Md. Sarwar Alam said that 23 risky government and private buildings in Sylhet city have been identified. The removal of these buildings will begin from next week. Deputy Commissioner said, ‘Some people are still living or working in the identified buildings. If they are not removed quickly, a major accident may occur. We have decided to demolish them on an emergency basis for the safety of the citizens.’
He said, ‘The administration has already held several workshops to deal with the disaster. However, the main problem in the rescue work is the narrow roads – if the fire service vehicles cannot enter, the rescue operation will be hampered.
It is known that after several earthquakes in 2019, the City Corporation took some initiatives to deal with the risk, including demolishing risky buildings in Sylhet city and testing the earthquake resistance of all multi-storey buildings. At that time, the Sylhet City Corporation (CSC) took the initiative to test about 42,000 multi-storey buildings in the city. But due to financial crisis, that initiative did not proceed. However, after the examination of some very old buildings by experts, the CSC published a list of 25 risky buildings in the city.
On the same day, 7 shopping malls in the city, namely Surma Market, City Super Market, Madhuban Super Market, Samabaya Market, Mitali Mansion and Raja Mansion, were ordered to be closed for 10 days. And after the stipulated 10 days, the closed buildings were opened without any renovation. Normal activities are still going on in them.
It is known that four buildings on the risky list were removed and two more buildings were renovated by experts. Even after 6 long years, the CCIC has not taken any action regarding the remaining establishments. These establishments include homes, schools and business establishments. Capitalizing on such weaknesses of the city administration, these establishments have been turned upside down.
According to the CCIC list, the risky buildings in the city are – Collectorate Bhaban-3, Cooperative Bank Bhaban Market, Former Office Building of the Women’s Affairs Officer, Surma Market, City Super Market in Bandar Bazar area, Mitali Mansion, Ajmer Hotel in Darga Gate, Madhuban Market, Mannan View in Kalashil area, Sasho-226 in Sheikhghat, 51/3 Government Bhaban in Chowkidekhi area.
Nabapushpa-26/A in Jatarpur, Raja Mansion in Zindabazar, 4/A Kibria Lodge in Puran Lane area, Mitali-74 in Kharpara, Meghna-A-39/2 in Mirzajangal, Pathantula Government Primary School, Waris Manzil Ekta-377/7, Hossain Manzil Ekta-377/8 and Shahnaz Riaz Villa Ekta-377/9 in Uttar Bagbari area, Noorani-14 in Bankalapara area, Municipal Shop and Municipal Shopping Center in Dhopadighi Dakshinpar, and 62/B- Prabhati, Sridhara House in Lechubagan area in Purba Pirmahalla.
Experts warn that a major earthquake can occur in Sylhet at any time. Most of the multi-storey buildings can collapse in this. Therefore, the building code must be followed when demolishing or renovating multi-storey buildings and constructing new buildings.
Professor Mushtaq Ahmed, Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, said, “Currently, most of the structures in Sylhet are not able to withstand high-level earthquakes. There are about 42,000 buildings in Sylhet city. Most of these are old and weak, which are at risk of collapsing even in a moderate earthquake.”
He said, “Around 60 to 65 percent of the buildings built in Sylhet city did not follow proper rules in construction. As a result, there is a possibility of huge loss of life and extensive damage to property in the event of an earthquake in this region.” Professor Mushtaq said, “Although it is not possible to completely deal with earthquakes, taking some precautions and steps in advance can save some of its severe damage.”
In this regard, Sylhet City Corporation Chief Executive Officer Mohammad Rezai Rafin Sarkar said, “The issue of renovation activities of the risky buildings in Sylhet metropolis is being investigated. We will take a step very soon. There is a committee on risky buildings, they are continuing their activities. The buildings that have been instructed to be renovated will complete their renovation activities and submit their documents to us, we will examine it and give further instructions.’
