EARTHQUAKE VULNERABILITY AND AWARENESS OF THE RESIDENTS OF OLD BUILDINGS AT MYMENSINGH URBAN REGION

DOI: http://doi.org/10.55706/ijbssr13105This study examines the vulnerability of old buildings and earthquake awareness among the residents in Mymensingh Sadar Upazila urban area, Bangladesh. The study was conducted in Wards 7 and 8 as these wards have highest concentration of dilapidated heritage buildings. A sample of 60 respondents was selected randomly from a population of 4000. Data was collected using a pre-tested structured interview schedule during October to December 2019 and analyzed using descriptive statistical methods. Findings show that 43.33% of buildings are highly earthquake vulnerable and 56.67% of the residents are living in high risk area. Although 48.33% of the respondents have medium knowledge of earthquake, only 21.66% have high awareness, there is a big gap between knowledge and preparedness. The study attributes this gap to lack of public outreach from government and non-governmental organizations. The study suggests that targeted awareness campaign, improved urban planning and regulatory enforcement is needed to mitigate earthquake risk in old urban settlements.