Rethinking the public building as post disaster shelters - In the context of old Dhaka
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Earthquake is one of the major disasters in Bangladesh. A strong earthquake will affect major urban centers like Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet etc. Damage and destructions will be massive and may cause immense economic losses for the entire country. It is therefore essential to be prepared for possible earthquakes and to take appropriate measures to minimize possible losses and damages. This would help to develop rational mitigation measures for minimizing the adverse impacts of earthquakes. To reduce earthquake vulnerability in urban areas as well as to save human lives, property etc - we need to set up earthquake preparedness plan or strategies for earthquake protection. Highly dense urban areas like old Dhaka, is experiencing physical vulnerability like unplanned growth, existence of vulnerable built environment, narrow street pattern, poor infrastructures etc. Thus several hundred thousand peoples are living an insecure life. A proper guideline is needed to reduce the effect of the catastrophe. In this regard under post disaster situation, shelters and other facilities are needed. For these purpose public buildings at neighborhood level like schools, religious buildings, community centers, hospitals etc. can serve the dual purpose and these places could be used as post disaster shelters. This paper aims to analyze the existing condition and location of these public buildings in old Dhaka. Also earthquake vulnerability assessment and countermeasures such as retrofitting and other measures that can be applied to use these buildings as workable post disaster shelters and to improve quality and quantity of open spaces regarding street pattern, communication etc. are studied.
