Disaster Preparedness Day Observed
'Use modern tech to reduce losses'
With the slogan, 'Easy access to information will ensure safety during disasters,' the National Disaster Preparedness Day was observed across the country yesterday.
Specific steps should be taken to minimise the impacts of disasters through identifying vulnerable areas and making the people aware of disasters by using modern technologies, speakers at a discussion said yesterday.
The Disaster Management Bureau organised the discussion at the National Museum in the city.
Presenting the keynote paper, Prof Jamilur Reza Choudhury said that cellphone, Internet and satellite technology can be used before, during and after the disaster to inform the people.
The government is considering using cellphone broadcasting in targeted areas, but the infrastructure of the telephone companies must be disaster-resistant, he added.
The Geographical Information System (GIS) and Google Earth can be used to identify the cyclone shelter centres for post-disaster relief activities, he said.
Terming river erosion a massive disaster, Prof Jamilur Reza said river erosion can also be predicted through mathematical modeling.
After any disaster, quick assessment of damage and computer-based coordination mechanism is important, he added.
Speaking as the chief guest, Food and Disaster Management Minister Abdur Razzaque stressed the need for taking up long-term projects to build more cyclone shelters, embankments and hospitals and to launch income-generating programmes in the disaster-hit areas.
The minister also said that the government has been procuring equipment worth Tk 70 crore as part of earthquake preparedness initiatives. A total of 62,000 volunteers will also be trained on disaster management.
After the discussion, posthumous awards were given to the volunteers who sacrificed their lives to save others during disasters.
Ashraful Hossain Khan of Southkhali in Bagerhat, Mozammel Hossain of Mathbaria, Pirojpur and Taslima Begum of Majherchar in Barguna were given the awards.
The food minister distributed a crest, a certificate and Tk 20,000 to the family members of each awardee.
Ahsan Zakir, director general of the Disaster Management Bureau, and Dr MA Kashem, president of the National Disaster Management Advisory Committee, also spoke.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments