Bangladesh runs high quake risk
Staff Correspondent : Bangladesh faces a high risk of moderate to strong earthquakes that may result in widespread damage and loss of thousands of lives, said experts.
The observatory at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) recorded 86 tremors of over 4 magnitude during January 2006-May 2009. Another four earthquakes took place with a magnitude of over 5 during the period.
Experts say it is these minor tremors that indicate the possibility of much more powerful earthquakes.
According to a seismic zoning map prepared by the BUET, 43 percent areas in Bangladesh are rated high risk, 41 percent moderate and 16 percent low, said Prof Mehdi Ahmed Ansary.
The map, which is being drawn up under the supervision of Prof Ansary divides the country into three earthquake vulnerability zones.
ASM Maksud Kamal, an expert on earthquake and tsunami preparedness, said four sources of earthquake in the Bay of Bengal are active and can generate tsunami too.
