Maya rules out possibility of mega-quake
Relief and Disaster Management Minister Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya today in parliament ruled out the possibility of high magnitude earthquake in Bangladesh considering its 200 years history.
The minister called upon all not to get panicked in this regard.
Dhaka, one of the most densely populated cities in the world, sits on top of a fault buried under thick sediments, which could trigger a massive earthquake, a new study suggests.
The magnitude of the earthquake could be 8.2 to 9 and the damage could be severe. At least 140 million people living in the region -- Bangladesh, Eastern India and parts of Myanmar -- could be affected, according to the study.
The researchers, however, could not say when the earthquake would occur -- whether it is imminent or would occur after 100 years.
The findings were published in the Nature Geoscience on Monday and are making headlines in the global media.
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A ruling Awami League MP during the question hour asked the minister about his ministry’s preparation if a high-magnitude earthquake takes place in the country.
In reply, Minister Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya said by the grace of Allah, there is no possibility of happening high magnitude earthquake like 9 in the Richter scale as mentioned in the study.
In the history of 200 years, Bangladesh didn’t see any earthquake at a magnitude of more than eight.
“And if any 9 magnitude earthquake finally takes place, the world will be destroyed totally,” added the minister.
READ MORE: 'Dhaka is one of the riskiest cities for earthquakes in the world'
He also said there is no equipment or technology invented so far by which possibility of earthquake can be detect in advance.
“I will therefore urge all not to get panic. The government has the capability of tackling situation which might be created through earthquake as per the present situation.”
192 PEOPLE DIED IN LIGHTNING IN LAST 6 MONTHS
In reply to another query, Maya said 192 people were died so far in this year due to lightning strikes across the country.
The minister also said the government has recently announced lightning as a natural disaster and has been giving Tk 20,000 to Tk 25,000 to the deceased family members.
Besides, Tk 5,000 to 15,000 is being given to a wounded person for treatment.
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