DHAKA: The government has decided to setup ‘National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC)’ in preventing disasters.

The centre will work to search, manage rescue operation, coordinate, give directions and monitor the disaster time as well as post-disaster period.

The decision came from a National Disaster Management Council meeting, chaired by the premier, at PMO in city on Wednesday.

PM’s press secretary AKM Shamim Chowdhury confirmed the matter to the media.

In the meeting, the specialists opined that the spotted 72,000 buildings will be destroyed if a 7-magnitude earthquake hit Dhaka and there are possibilities of blaze, disruption in telecommunication as well as power, water and gas supply.

According to the council, NEOC will work in this situation.

Shamim Chowdhury said the center will be situated in an earthquake-resistant building where the important persons can take shelter in an emergency situation.

People can ask for national and international assistance from this center too, he added.

All information of the center will be restored and later, will be used as archive.

Moreover, a website naming ‘National Disaster Management Information System (NDMSI)’ will also be launched, said the PM’s press secretary.

BDST: 1804 HRS, MAY 06, 2015
BD/RR