Earthquakes strike without warning, preparedness must come first: Relief Minister

Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu has stressed the need for advance preparedness to deal with earthquakes and other disasters, warning that earthquakes can strike without warning and cause widespread destruction.

“Earthquakes do not come with prior notice. They can suddenly shake the ground and devastate large areas. We must be prepared before one strikes so that rescue operations can begin quickly and affected people can receive support,” he said.

He made the remarks at the inauguration of a training programme on earthquake preparedness at the Department of Disaster Management in Dhaka on Thursday (September 3).

He said Bangladesh remains at risk of earthquakes and that, following the prime minister’s directives, the ministry is training and preparing 1,00,000 volunteers to strengthen the country’s disaster response capacity.

Bangladesh is a disaster-prone country that faces different types of hazards regularly, Dulu said, adding that the government has taken various initiatives to reduce the suffering caused by disasters.

State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief M Iqbal Hossain, speaking as a special guest, said training helps people become more skilled and capable. He expressed hope that trained volunteers would immediately step forward to help people in distress when disasters occur.

Director General of the Department of Disaster Management Rezwanur Rahman chaired the programme. Ministry Secretary Mohammad Saiful Islam, Senior Information Officer Mahbubur Rahman Tuhin and other officials were also present.