First Aid support to a simulated victim by the Boy Scouts and a participant from Kaylanpur Girls School & College.

Asian Disaster Preparedness Center collaborated with Dhaka North City Corporation, Ward Councilor office of Ward No. 11 and its partners to conduct a Community Based Earthquake Preparedness activity at Kaylanpur Girls School & College in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

The drill simulated an earthquake strong enough to collapse buildings with members of the government, community and education sectors in attendance and covered all phases of the disaster event.

Roof sliding operation to rescue simulated victims stuck on top of a building.

“We should organize similar simulations in other wards to take the lead on developing future earthquake resilient communities within the city,” remarked Dewan Abdul Mannan, Honorable Councilor, Ward No. 11 of Dhaka North City Corporation.

The simulation included the disruption of daily activities as if participants were caught by surprise, and to make it feel even more realistic, included smoke, shaking of trees and shouting to mimic panic.

Volunteers pretended to be injured, stuck inside and on top of buildings, and even feigned death. The simulation also included a fire hazard the participants had to manage.

Community participants and students participate in a discussion about the simulation.

Immediately after the simulated earthquake, community members and school students evacuated the buildings through previously identified evacuation routes and assembled at designated safe open spaces.

The local stakeholder group, which included the local ward commissioner and representatives from first responder agencies responsible for the area, quickly established communication with first responders in other areas. These include the nearby Fire Service and Civil Defense (FSCD), Dhaka North City Corporation Office, Delta Hospitals, Police Stations, and others to report the earthquake.


Participants from the Kaylanpur Girls School & College practice putting out a fire using fire extinguishers.

Simultaneously, community volunteers and the FSCD team worked together to rescue people trapped inside collapsed structures and on the roofs of buildings. They also provided emergency first aid services to the injured people. The simulation also practiced the transportation of severely injured people and students to nearby hospitals using ambulances.

After the simulation, trainers held an interactive lessons learned session to review the events that took place.
Community participants and students said they were happy to take part in the event and boost their awareness on earthquake risk. They also expressed interest in applying what they learned at home to boost their preparedness for disasters.

Dr. Tariq Bin Yousuf, Superintending Engineer, Dhaka North City Corporation interaction during the discussion session.

Mr. Gullal Singka, Chief Guest, Zonal Office 4, Dhaka North City Corporation with other guests.