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A team of scientists from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh led by Dewan Md. Enamul Haque, Assistant Professor at Department of Disaster Science and Management, Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences published a paper Towards Improved Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Assessment for Bangladesh. The authors used GEM’s OQ-engine to develop the PSHA for Bangladesh.

The study aims to build on the existing knowledge and improve the overall PSHA results by modifying source, path and site characteristics for Bangladesh. The ground motions - PGA and SA (at 0.2, 1.0 and 2.0 s) were computed using GEM’s OpenQuake and presented in form of hazard maps for 2% and 10% probabilities of exceedance in 50 years as well as mean hazard curves and uniform hazard spectra.

The lead author, Asst. Prof. Dewan Haque learned about the OQ software from GEM’s website, and is actively using it for modelling and research work. He found the software easy to use and said he would definitely recommend it to others.

“I’m satisfied and happy with my experience with the OQ-engine. Comparing it with other hazard and risk modeling software, I believe that it is better than most software out there. I found the one of the most valuable features of the engine,” says Asst. Prof. Dewan Haque.

He further adds that “it is easy to use” but pointed out the OQ-engine would better suit his needs if a “step by step manual on how to upgrade the tools are shared upon the release of new versions”.

The OpenQuake Engine is GEM’s state-of-the-art, open-source software collaboratively developed for earthquake hazard and risk modelling. The functionality to analyze hazards and risks at specific site, city, country or regional level makes the OpenQuake Engine a powerful and dynamic tool for assessing the potential impacts of earthquakes at any location in the world.

GEM continues to strive to provide open products and software to disaster risk reduction professionals, emergency responders, and scientists and researchers around the world. To learn more or to download the latest version, click here.