, Nov. 23 -- Dhaka, one of the world's most densely populated megacities, may face a catastrophic humanitarian disaster if struck by a major earthquake, leading geologists and engineers have warned.

Multiple assessments indicate that more than eight lakh of the capital's 21.45 lakh buildings could collapse if a quake of magnitude 7 or higher hits the region.

Poor enforcement of the national building code, unauthorised construction, flawed designs and decades of lax oversight have placed the city among the most earthquake-vulnerable capitals in the world, according to the experts.

A Warning Jolt

On November 21, Dhaka and surrounding districts experienced severe shaking from a magnitude-5.7 earthquake. At least 10 people were confirmed ...