'Fire to cause highest casualties if major quake hits Dhaka'

The damage of utility networks and fire would be the main causes of casualties if any major earthquakes strike the Dhaka city, experts say.

The earthquake experts, speaking at programme in the capital today, stressed the need for taking proper steps to reduce risk of vulnerability to such disasters.

The entire city would be burnt down due to explosions of gas pipelines and chemical factories during any major earthquakes, said Major AKM Shakil Newaz, director (operation and maintenance) of fire service and civil defense at a workshop.

He added that the urban areas would be flooded following explosions of water pipelines.

The workshop was held jointly by Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) and Plan International at Spectra Convention Centre in the city.