As one of the country’s three main seismic zones lies in Madhupur upazila of Tangail, a strong earthquake may strike the district, experts warn.
After several earthquakes were felt across the country recently, the Madhupur fault has again come into discussion. Several earthquakes have also occurred here in the past.
Experts say that if a 6 to 6.5-magnitude earthquake hits Madhupur, many people in Tangail, Mymensingh, Gazipur, and Dhaka could lose their lives.
Since the Madhupur fault is located close to Dhaka, it has drawn significant attention. Madhupur tectonic formation does not refer only to Madhupur upazila but to the entire Madhupur Garh region. An earthquake originating from the Madhupur fault would severely impact not only Tangail but also Dhaka,Mymensingh, and Gazipur.
Experts say that a 7 to 7.5-magnitude earthquake may hit Madhupur at any time. As a result, Mymensingh, Tangail, Dhaka, and nearby districts are at high risk of earthquake.
In September 2019, a 4.2-magnitude earthquake struck Madhupur. In 1885, a powerful earthquake measuring over 7 on the Richter scale occurred along the Madhupur fault.
A study conducted in 2010 by the Ministry of Disaster Management stated that a 7.5-magnitude earthquake along the Madhupur fault could destroy 72,316 buildings completely and damage another 56,166 buildingspartially.
Another study conducted from 2008 to 2009 suggested that if an 8.5-magnitude earthquake occurred along the tectonic boundary near Bangladesh, 238,164 buildings could collapse in Dhaka city alone.
Despite the looming threat, numerous multi-storey buildings have been constructed in Tangail and surrounding areas without proper compliance with regulations. Many high-rise buildingshave been built by different realtors. Most of these structures reportedly lack approved architectural, structural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and fire-safety plans.
Professor Mir Md. Mozammel Haque of Department of Environment and Resource Science at Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University said that the Madhupur fault is one of the three major seismic belts of Bangladesh. It extends within about one kilometre of Tangail, Mymensingh, Gazipur, and Dhaka. “In the past two days, earthquakes jolted Dhaka and surrounding areas three times. A major earthquake could strike anytime—either around Dhaka or along the Madhupur fault. We are in a state of anxiety,” he said.
He further warned that a 6 to 6.5-magnitude earthquake along the Madhupur fault could cause heavy damage in Tangail, Mymensingh, Gazipur, and Dhaka. It could kill around 10 million people. He also recalled that in 1950, an earthquake in the Mymensingh region changed the course of the Brahmaputra River and formed the new Brahmaputra. The Tangail regionis prone to earthquakes.
Madhupur Upazila Nirbahi Officer Zubair Hossain said that the Madhupur fault poses a severe risk. “We have virtually no preparation for an earthquake. The matter will be reported to the Disaster Ministry. During Disaster Mitigation Day, we conducted demonstrations on post-earthquake response. We will soon conduct awareness drills for residents,” he said.
Assistant Director of Tangail Fire Service and Civil Defense Jane Alam said that northern Tangail falls in the red zone for earthquake risk. “Four stations—Madhupur, Bhuapur, Sadar, and Mirzapur—have extra equipment.
“We are enhancing our capacity for earthquake response. We have also trained community volunteers who can assist with rescue and emergency medical services. Post-earthquake drills have already been conducted,” he added.
