Fear is spreading across the country as earthquakes continue to shake Bangladesh. After Friday’s quake in Narsingdi, tremors were felt again on Saturday morning and evening in Dhaka and Ashulia. Though these quakes were minor on the Richter scale, public anxiety remains high.
Bangladesh’s geographic location and tectonic activity make it prone to natural disasters such as floods, river erosion, cyclones, and earthquakes. The country lies near the junction of the Tibet and Indian plates to the north and the Burma plate to the south, increasing the earthquake risk.
To ensure safety during earthquakes, experts recommend the following:
What to Do:
Stay calm when tremors occur.
If in bed, cover your head with a pillow and take shelter under a sturdy table or furniture.
If in the kitchen, turn off gas stoves and move to safety.
Take cover near beams, columns, or strong benches.
If outdoors, stay away from trees, power lines, and tall buildings, and move to open spaces.
In crowded areas like factories, hospitals, or theaters, stay put and cover your head rather than rushing toward exits.
If trapped under debris, avoid excessive movement and cover your mouth with cloth to prevent inhaling dust.
After shaking stops, move to open spaces carefully; avoid using elevators.
If inside a vehicle, stop away from bridges, trees, and power lines, and stay inside until the shaking ends.
Keep essentials at home, such as a battery-powered radio, flashlight, water, and first-aid supplies.
What Not to Do:
Do not jump out of buildings.
Avoid using elevators to descend quickly.
Do not stand on balconies; railings may collapse.
If Trapped Under Rubble:
Move slowly if possible; excessive movement can worsen injuries.
Do not use matches or fire; gas leaks may be present.
Avoid shouting, as dust can enter the mouth; instead, signal with pipes, walls, or a whistle, and use a flashlight or mobile phone to attract attention.
Following these precautions can significantly improve safety and reduce risk during an earthquake.