Roanu: Lessons to be learnt
Nevertheless now
in the post-Roanu phase it is important to ensure timely relief and appropriate rehabilitation to the many thousands of victims
Four days ago the cyclonic storm Roanu passed over parts of the coastal belt in southern Bangladesh killing at least 24 people while injuring many more. The battering storm has also caused huge loss of properties. But then again since time immemorial we have been battling with large scale natural disasters.
Because of Bangladeshs geographic location, proximity to the sea and other climactic conditions it is prone to such big-scale natural vagaries. Saturdays cyclone resonated the fact that, like the cyclone deriving its colossal power from a calm centre our people from their experiences too have also learnt how to collectively tackle it with courage and fortitude.
In many respects, compared to the number of casualties incurred in earlier cyclone and tropical storms, the nation has dealt with the storm rather well. More than 3,000 people were killed by the super cyclone Sidr in 2007 and around 200 lives were reportedly lost in another super cyclone Aila in 2009.
Though Roanu had hit damaging 23 kilometres of flood control embankments along our coastal lines, but advanced planning to encounter it was creditable enough. The most vital lesson in this regard is to act on one of the remarks of the disaster management and relief minister. He blamed flimsy dams built around the coastal area for causing the huge loss of infrastructure and properties. If so, then the contractors who had built them must be held accountable.
Infrastructures meant for deterring natural calamities are public properties and they should be built with an added sense of responsibility.
Nevertheless now in the post-Roanu phase it is important to ensure timely relief and appropriate rehabilitation to the many thousands of victims. Besides supplying basic necessities and cash money, the government should rehabilitate them with a long-term sustainable plan.
Last but not least, patterns of natural disasters in Bangladesh are changing too. For instance, the ongoing storm season has recorded a series of lethal lightning, claiming the lives of some 65 people. The deadliest among the recent day was last Thursday, when 34 people were killed on a single strike. It is an unprecedented disaster and a matter of grave concern.
Continual deforestation is believed to have exacerbated the problem, with the lack of trees making farmers working in open fields easy and clear targets. We must draw lessons from it and prevent such unanticipated deaths. Natural disasters cannot be totally prevented but aided by adequate preparedness their impact can definitely be reduced. Keeping this in mind our concerned authorities mustnt leave any stone unturned.
