The government has significantly strengthened its disaster preparedness by reinforcing early warning systems, expanding emergency response capacity and shifting from a relief-based approach to a comprehensive risk reduction strategy, Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu told Parliament today. Responding to a scripted question from ruling party lawmaker Md Mostafizur Rahman Babul in the House, the minister said Bangladesh remains highly vulnerable to cyclones, floods, flash floods, river erosion, lightning, heatwaves and landslides due to its geographical location and the adverse impacts of climate change.
Shift from Relief to Risk Reduction
"The present government has transformed disaster management from a relief-dependent approach to an integrated risk reduction-based management system," he said. Dulu said the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief has strengthened advance warning and forecasting systems while ensuring that multipurpose cyclone and flood shelters remain ready for use during emergencies.
Preparedness Measures
He said preparedness measures also include keeping the Cyclone Preparedness Programme (CPP), Fire Service and Civil Defence, law enforcement agencies and volunteers on standby to respond swiftly during disasters. "The ministry has procured search and rescue equipment, kept the Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) active and maintained adequate stocks of GR food assistance, cash grants, dry food, corrugated iron sheets and other relief materials," he said.
Anticipatory Action and Coordination
The minister added that the government is implementing Anticipatory Action initiatives, activating disaster management committees in accordance with the Disaster Management Act, 2012 and the Standing Orders on Disaster (SOD)-2019, and coordinating preparedness activities with all relevant stakeholders. "As a result, casualties and damage to property caused by disasters have been reduced significantly, while the disaster resilience of the people has increased remarkably," he told the House.
Enhanced Emergency Response
Highlighting efforts to strengthen emergency response, Dulu said that under the Disaster Risk Management Enhancement Project (Components 2 and 3), telecommunication equipment, megaphones, sirens, stretchers, life jackets, radio sets and first-aid kits have been supplied to 35 upazilas in 12 coastal districts. He also said the government will provide one rescue speedboat to each of the 12 coastal districts, bringing the total to 12 rescue speedboats, while 43 shallow water rescue boats will be supplied to five flood-prone districts to enhance emergency rescue operations during disasters.
