Preparation is key: speakers

Ensuring everyone has proper knowledge of different types of disasters and how to prepare for them can effectively lessen the losses, said speakers at an event yesterday.

The event, titled "New Determinants of Household Disaster Preparedness Behavior and Policy Efficacy", was organised by Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) at its Dhaka office.

Dr Azreen Karim, BIDS research fellow, during her keynote presentation, said although disaster-related issues have been adopted in the curriculum, formal education contributes to only 1.46 percent of the entire disaster management scheme.

She emphasised scrutinising the short, medium and long term policies on disaster preparedness at household levels in light of the Climate Action Plan.

Dr Binayak Sen, BIDS director general, who presided over the session, said while knowledge is important in anticipating and mitigating disaster, social interaction is also crucial to prepare better for disasters.

Representatives from government and non-government organisations were also present at the event, sharing their insights on the issue.