Govt to boost disaster management capacity

State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Dr Md Enamur Rahman yesterday said the government will purchase equipment worth Tk 17 crore to boost the country's capacity to fight disasters.

He said this while speaking as the chief guest at Sir Salimullah Medical College Hospital premises in the capital, on the occasion of National Disaster Preparedness Day.

The equipment, including helicopter and rover craft, will add a new dimension to disaster management, he said.

Enamur Rahman said there is no alternative to safety drills for reducing losses and risks of disaster. This can also play an important role to create awareness among the public, he added.

The minister said they have decided to visit risky hospitals, markets and buildings across the country so that people can be aware of disasters like fire and earthquake.

Md Shah Kamal, senior secretary to the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief; Brig Gen Morshed Rashid, director of Sir Salimullah Medical College Hospital; and Prof Uttam Kumar Paul, were present, among others.