70 million tons of debris feared if major earthquake hits Dhaka

Staff Reporter :

Bangladesh has been facing an alarming rise in seismic activity, with experts warning of a looming earthquake disaster. The country has experienced two earthquakes in the past week and over 50 tremors in the last 90 days. In the past 15 years, more than 150 earthquakes of varying magnitudes have been recorded, raising fears of a major seismic event.

Dhaka, one of the world’s most earthquake-prone cities, is at particular risk. Experts highlight the city’s inadequate preparedness and structural vulnerabilities, which could lead to catastrophic consequences if a major earthquake strikes. According to a joint survey by BUET and the government, a 7.5 magnitude earthquake could collapse 72,000 buildings in Dhaka alone, producing 70 million tons of debris.

Geological Factors Heightening the Risk
Bangladesh’s location at the confluence of three tectonic plates—the Indian, Eurasian, and Burmese—places it in an active seismic zone. These plates shift approximately 5 centimeters annually, accumulating energy that could be released in the form of a devastating earthquake.

Regions such as Sylhet, Rangpur, Mymensingh, and Chattogram face an even higher risk of severe damage than Dhaka. Recent tremors, including a 7.1 magnitude earthquake in Tibet, which claimed over 100 lives, have heightened concerns about the region’s vulnerability.

Dr. Md. Zillur Rahman, Dean of the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Dhaka University, has emphasized the urgent need for action, particularly in high-risk areas like Mymensingh, Rangpur, Sylhet, Chattogram, and Dhaka.

Prof. Mehedi Ahmed Ansari from BUET’s Civil Engineering Department notes that while fire service and civil defense equipment have been procured, addressing structural vulnerabilities in buildings remains critical.

Many buildings in Dhaka are constructed without adherence to seismic safety standards, making them highly susceptible to collapse. Unplanned gas and electricity lines further exacerbate the risks.

Recent Seismic Activity and Historical Context
The US Geological Survey (USGS) has reported frequent tremors in the region, signaling the possibility of a stronger earthquake. The last major earthquake in Bangladesh occurred in 1918, and a 6.7 magnitude quake in 2016 caused fatalities due to panic.

Experts warn that the absence of a major earthquake in the past century has increased the probability of an imminent, high-magnitude event. Despite warnings from experts, government measures to mitigate earthquake risks remain insufficient.

Structural reinforcements, disaster preparedness programs, and urban planning are urgently needed to prevent massive casualties and destruction.