Dhaka, May 21 -- Despite international recognition for its capabilities in tackling cyclones and floods, Bangladesh's preparedness and capacity to deal with earthquakes remain relatively weak, said Disaster Management and Relief Affairs Adviser Farooq-e-Azam on Wednesday.

"Earthquakes are disasters that strike without warning. There is no alternative to raising public awareness to face such calamities," he said while addressing a workshop titled "Strengthening Multi-Hazard Preparedness: Focus on Earthquake and Urban Resilience", jointly organised by the Department of Disaster Management and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Dhaka.

The adviser underscored the importance of a coordinated action plan to respond to any disa...