The only Seismograph Dead at PSTU for 15 Years

The only permanent seismograph installed in the southern region—at Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU)—has remained non-functional for 15 years, despite being set up at a cost of nearly half a crore taka. Because the device is inactive, it is impossible to measure the magnitude of recent or ongoing earthquakes. As a result, more than 45 million people living in the coastal region remain at risk. Experts are urging the government to take urgent steps to install a new, updated seismograph.

Sources said the seismograph was installed on the PSTU campus in 2010 through a joint initiative of Columbia University (USA), the Department of Geology at the University of Dhaka, and five other universities in Bangladesh. Professor Dr. Syed Humayun Akhter of Dhaka University’s Geology Department represented Bangladesh on behalf of the project.

In the first year after installation, only two earthquakes could be recorded. But the device encountered technical issues as early as January 2011. Later, it was reactivated after connecting a new internet line to the academic building chamber. However, within a year, the device stopped functioning again—and it has never operated since.

Experts say that a seismograph detects primary and secondary seismic waves, allowing early warnings a few seconds before surface waves arrive. Such early alerts can play a significant role in public safety. The underground plate of the device can also record changes in land elevation. But because the instrument has remained non-operational for years, accurate geological data for this high-risk southern region is unavailable.

Assistant Professor Muneebur Rahman of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at PSTU is currently on study leave in Germany. Another faculty member, Professor Dr. S.M. Tawhidul Islam, said the equipment is an old analog model. Modern systems worldwide now use digital seismographs. Only the project authorities can properly assess how effective this old device could have been.

PSTU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Kazi Rafiqul Islam said the seismograph has been out of order for many years. Tests have confirmed that it can no longer be restored. A new project proposal is being prepared through the university’s ESDM department. Once finalized, it will be submitted to the relevant authorities for approval.

DBTech/BN/Muim/OR