Seismograph at PSTU inoperative since opening 2 years ago
The seismograph set up on the campus of Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU) two years ago has remained inoperative only due to lack of a computer.
The machine, used for measurement of earthquake, is the only one in the southern region including coastal district Patuakhali.
The seismograph was set up on PSTU campus on May 27 in 2006 with technical and financial support of Colombia University in USA, PSTU source said.
As earthquake expert Owon Eyong Kin, professor of Colombia University, formally opened the machine, a computer was brought from the computer laboratory of PSTU and connected with the seismograph to get reading from it.
But after the inaugural session, the computer was brought back to the laboratory, turning the earthquake measurement tool inoperative.
Since then, the tool has remained idle due to lack of a computer which would cost only Tk 25,000 to 30,000.
“If the seismograph on PSTU campus is made operative a good amount of data can be collected from it. Before large-scale earthquakes leading to disasters like tsunami, several small-scale earthquakes occur in the area concerned, giving signal of the former,” said Dr Syed Humayun Akhter, an earthquake researcher in Dhaka University.
“By analysing such data, we can get some warning of earthquake,” he added.
“We cannot get opportunity to learn how to use the machine and take reading from it as it has remained inoperative for want of a computer,” students of PSTU said.
When contacted, PSTU Vice Chancellor Dr Harunur Rashid said, “We will take step to activate the machine soon. Proper utilisation of the tool can save lives in coastal areas from natural disaster like tsunami.”
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