Earthquake Risk in Bangladesh: Lesson Learned from Turkiye-Morocco Earthquake
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36777/jag2024.3.2.1Keywords:
Lesson, Earthquake, Bangladesh, Turkiye, MoroccoAbstract
Turkey, Morocco, and Bangladesh are all situated in seismically active regions and are therefore exposed to significant earthquake hazards. Recent studies have highlighted the potential for major earthquakes in Bangladesh, underscoring the need to strengthen the country’s preparedness and disaster management capacity. Disasters can serve as catalysts for learning by exposing the vulnerabilities and institutional shortcomings of communities and governments. In this context, the devastating earthquakes that struck Turkey and Morocco in 2023 provide valuable lessons for strengthening earthquake preparedness and response in Bangladesh. This study therefore examines the factors that contributed to the catastrophic impacts of the 2023 earthquakes in Turkey and Morocco, with particular emphasis on the strengths and weaknesses of disaster management across different stages of the disaster management cycle. It compares these experiences with Bangladesh to identify potential vulnerabilities and develop a framework for disaster learning. The study adopts a qualitative research approach, drawing primarily on existing literature and key informant interviews. The findings indicate that infrastructural vulnerabilities and non-compliance with land-use regulations were important contributors to the severity of earthquake impacts in Turkey and Morocco, and similar vulnerabilities may be relevant to Bangladesh. Turkey demonstrated several strengths, including the availability of open spaces for emergency operations, relatively wide road networks, modern emergency equipment, skilled personnel, effective military-civilian coordination, and a strong humanitarian response. These areas highlight important capacity gaps in Bangladesh. The study further identifies climatic conditions and debris management as potentially significant challenges for Bangladesh in the event of a major earthquake. Overall, the findings emphasise the importance of strengthening land-use regulation, emergency infrastructure, institutional coordination, human resources, and post-disaster debris management as part of a proactive disaster-learning and earthquake preparedness framework for Bangladesh.
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