CITIZENS AT RISK FROM EARTHQUAKE HAZARD IN DHAKA CITY: SCALING RISK FACTORS FROM HOUSEHOLD TO CITY REGION LEVEL

Abstract

Dhaka city is under the looming threat of cataclysmic earthquake. However, the factors from which the citizens are at risk may not the same for its all parts. Dividing the city into three geographical scales: Old (Shankhari Bazaar), Developed (Segunbaghicha) and Newly Developing (Uttara 3rd Phase) areas, this research explores the risk factors of earthquake hazard from household to city-region level. Based on FGD at community level, in-depth interview of experts and policymakers, observation and secondary sources of data the study finds citizens of Old Dhaka are at high risk because of the obsolete and dilapidated building structures they live in whereas unauthorized high rise buildings is a massive threat for the dwellers living in developed Dhaka. The results of this research highlight that fact that enormous filling of low-lying lands enhances high earthquake risk and may cause severe liquefaction effects to the residents of newly developing areas of Dhaka. The comprehensive outcomes of this study are emphasized on raising the on-going public awareness programs, following the building codes strictly and implementing the disaster risk reduction approach into land use planning which can possibly reduce earthquake risk in Dhaka city.