Saving your home from an earthquake in Bangladesh

What makes homes weak during an earthquake?

Bangladesh sits in a seismic zone. Bangladesh is very close to the Indian, Eurasian, and Burmese tectonic plates. There is a huge possibility of facing this disaster in Dhaka. And with the population growing so fast, buildings stand closer together than they used to. So when one structure becomes weak, the impact spreads quickly.

There are signs long before that happens. Here are some reasons that make homes weak during an earthquake:

• Weak foundation: Many older houses were built without proper soil testing.
• Poor material quality: Concrete that was mixed badly or steel that wasn’t strong enough.
• Too much load on the floors: Especially in apartments where families add water tanks, heavy furniture, or extended balconies.
• Cracks that people ignore: Even thin cracks along beams or slabs can be red flags.
• No proper reinforcement: Some older homes don’t have enough steel inside, and that makes them brittle during shaking.

How to keep your home safer before an earthquake?

Most homeowners focus on big construction things. But saving a home starts with small, everyday steps. There are many things you can do to save your home from an earthquake. Here is a list of small awarenesses that can keep you and your family safe during an earthquake:

• Secure tall furniture: Wardrobes, bookshelves, kitchen cabinets. These fall fast when the ground moves.
• Don’t keep heavy items up high: Pots, appliances, even decor pieces. They turn dangerous during a quake.
• Check any cracks you notice: Especially cracks that run diagonally or reappear after repairs.
• Make sure exits stay clear: Keep your stairway and exits clear.
• Emergency kit: Keep an emergency kit box, including a flashlight, water, and first aid, in an easy location.
• Water tank: Check the water tank on your roof. A loose tank shakes more than you think.

Earthquake-resistant construction

A strong foundation always comes first when you want an earthquake-resistant house. When a house is built on solid soil, the entire structure behaves better. Quality materials matter. Cheap materials can save your housing cost at first, but they don’t hold up when it counts.

Structural reinforcement

Strong frames, shear walls, and flexible steel detailing help a building absorb shaking. Most of this stays hidden behind walls, but it’s what protects the structure.

Site selection

Safe construction starts with choosing the right land. Engineers check soil strength, water levels, and any signs of ground instability before designing a building.

Foundation design

A solid foundation keeps the building steady. Proper depth and reinforcement prevent tilting or uneven settling during an earthquake.

Quality construction materials

Buildings need different levels of earthquake resistance depending on height and use. These criteria help engineers decide where to add strength.

Building codes and regulations for apartments

Apartment construction adds height, the load sharing, the number of families living there, and other complexities. Here are some of the modern techniques that engineers follow nowadays:

• Modern buildings follow RCC frame structures. That means the columns and beams work together to carry the shaking energy.
• Shear walls help reduce swaying. You’ll usually find them near staircases or lift cores.
• Ductile detailing is important too. It simply means the steel inside can bend a little instead of breaking suddenly.
• BNBC 2020 gives clear rules on all this. The problem is, many apartment buyers never ask whether their building follows these rules.
• People spend hours choosing tiles, lights, and doors. But they don’t even ask how strong the structure is. Yet structure is the part that protects your life.

What you should do during an earthquake

When the shaking starts, you won’t have time to think. So the simplest habits work best. If you live in a high-rise, avoid rushing. Many injuries happen because people panic, not because of the shaking itself.

• Stay away from windows.
• Take cover under a solid table if you can.
• Don’t run toward the lift or stairs while the shaking continues.
• Hold onto something steady. And once the movement stops, move to an open space.

Final words

An earthquake isn’t something we can stop, but the way we prepare makes a huge difference. Small fixes around the house, paying attention to cracks, choosing the right materials, and getting proper guidance all add up. A small decision can save your family and home from disaster.

And if you ever feel unsure about where your building stands, don’t ignore it. Ask someone who works with these. Assetic Ltd safer construction practices. Sometimes a simple conversation points you in the right direction.

And if you ever feel unsure about where your building stands, don’t ignore it. Ask someone who works with these. Assetic Ltd safer construction practices. Sometimes a simple conversation points you in the right direction.

FAQs about saving your home from an earthquake