Evaluating vulnerability and resilience in the face of earthquake and fire risks

Abstract

The economic and cultural center of Bangladesh is Dhaka, the capital and biggest city of the country. Old Dhaka, the area's older section, is very significant to Bangladesh since it functions as a thriving center for cultural history and valuable resources. It presently causes problems because of its high population density and unplanned urban growth. Dhaka is under earthquake zone 2 and in 100 years it hasn’t faced a major earthquake. With this concern, according to seismologists, a powerful earthquake is expected to hit Dhaka soon. Fire service division of the Dhaka Tribune reveals a magnitude 7 earthquake would cause 500,000 buildings, or over 60% of the city's buildings, to collapse. Old Dhaka is especially vulnerable to earthquakes and fire threats because of the unorganized land use plan, faulty construction, limited spacious roads, and unequal distribution of utilities. The post-earthquake fire is another troubling development that calls for immediate attention and treatment. Gas pipelines and electrical cables are often ruptured by strong seismic shaking, which may start fires. Buildings that are near to one another, buildings that share a wall, and narrow streets may all increase the losses. The physical vulnerability and societal adaptability to earthquake and fire hazards in Ward 29 in Old Dhaka are the main topic of this paper. Industrial structures, warehouses, and factories with mixed-use structures are its defining features. Through field surveys, the research included an analysis of the present road networks and urban amenities. To determine how vulnerable individuals are and their conception of fire and earthquakes, key informant interviews, and focus groups were conducted. The author reached a broad conclusion on the vulnerability of existing buildings to unplanned design, weak structures, unlawful floor extensions, and externally added staircases via 20 building inspections. Valuable insights were gathered by examining the present situation of the community via interviews with 120 locals, their prior experiences with fire and earthquakes, and their current awareness. The results of this study were verified using secondary qualitative data, which improved the paper's reliability and validity. According to this research, immediate responses and approaches may lessen the effects of earthquakes and fires in Ward 29. These also highlight certain places that should be of concern and some buildings that need immediate attention. This would make it easier as a resource for present and future scholars, students, and public or private organizations to prioritize social resilience and pre-existing constructed structures in their work on Old Dhaka.