Dhaka, Sep 03 (V7N)- A total of 445 locations, including schools and colleges, have been designated as emergency shelters in Dhaka in the event of an earthquake, Disaster and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu has said.

He made the remarks at the inauguration of a two-day training program to prepare volunteers for earthquake disaster management in Mohakhali on Thursday morning.

The Disaster Minister said Dhaka, Sylhet, Chittagong and Mymensingh are among the areas vulnerable to earthquakes.

He said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has instructed authorities to prepare 100,000 rescue workers to respond to potential earthquake damage in Dhaka.

Dulu stressed the importance of ensuring compliance with building codes in the capital, saying the extent to which existing regulations have been followed remains a major concern.

He urged everyone involved in construction to strictly and consciously follow the building code to reduce risks during an earthquake.

The minister also said the government plans to begin digging more than 5,000 canals from November.

He said the government has also taken initiatives to restore rural canals and turn them into green spaces, with the aim of supporting agriculture and improving water drainage.

END/SMA/AJ