Dhaka: Students of some 2,600 schools across the country are taking part in a nationwide earthquake drill that began from September 16 ahead of the International Day of Disaster Risk Reduction in October 13.

The drills are being conducted at under a joint initiative of the Comprehensive Disaster Management Programme (CDMP), the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief and the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education, in order to make schools safe from disasters particularly earthquake, according to officials of the project.

“We have organised this drill not only for the students but also for the teachers, to ensure we are well prepared in case a major earthquake occurs,” said Shahrin Khan Rupa, headmistress of Tejgaon Govt High School.

The drills are also to prepare the students to act as volunteer first responders to help others in the event of an actual earthquake. They are also trained by the Red Crescent. “We volunteer so that we can help our school, family and nation,” said Hossain Bin Shahid, a student of Tejgaon Government High School, while attending the drill.

Just before the International Day of Disaster Risk Reduction, happening on October 13, drills are organised for both primary and secondary schools aiming to better prepare students in the event of a real disaster.

Almost 1,200 of Dhaka’s 1,100 schools are highly vulnerable to moderate earthquake. Schools in cities like Chittagong and Sylhet and in the north are also vulnerable, according to a CDMP Earthquake Vulnerability Study.