Md. Shawkat Alam Faisal :
In recent years, global climate change has increased the frequency and intensity of natural disasters. One such disaster, Cyclone Remal, has wreaked havoc in Bangladesh, a country that frequently faces the wrath of nature.
However, a disturbing trend has emerged: while one part of the country grapples with the cyclone’s devastation, another part seems to revel in the heavy winds and torrential rains. This paradox raises significant questions about societal empathy and collective responsibility.
Cyclone Remal struck Bangladesh with unprecedented fury. Formed over the Bay of Bengal, this severe cyclonic storm intensified as it moved northwards, reaching wind speeds of up to 130 km/h, with gusts even higher.
As of the latest reports, the cyclone hit the coastal regions of Bangladesh, including the districts of Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat, Patuakhali, Chittagong and Cox’s Bazar particularly hard. These areas experienced heavy rainfall, severe flooding, and strong winds that uprooted trees, damaged homes, and disrupted power lines.
Thousands of homes have been destroyed, leaving many families homeless. Agricultural lands have been inundated, leading to significant crop losses and jeopardizing the livelihood of many farmers. The death toll continues to rise, with numerous people still missing.
The infrastructure has taken a massive hit, with roads, bridges, and power lines being damaged or completely wiped out in some areas. The port city of Mongla was notably affected, experiencing significant infrastructural damage and flooding.
Thousands of people have been displaced, with many seeking shelter in temporary relief camps set up by the government and humanitarian organizations.
Following the recent news, thousands of mobile towers are out of order. As a result, there’s no network in many areas all over the country.
For heavy wind and rain, almost half of the country has had no electricity from the night of May 26 till now. Most public university campuses have been drowned and blackout.
There has been scarcity of food as cooking is hampered without electricity. In addition to the immediate destruction, there are longer-term concerns about food security and public health, as agricultural lands have been submerged and water supplies contaminated.
Relief efforts are underway, but the scale of the disaster has overwhelmed the resources available. Humanitarian organizations and the government are working tirelessly to provide shelter, food, and medical aid to those affected. However, the recovery process is expected to be long and arduous.
In stark contrast to the scenes of devastation, reports have surfaced of people in unaffected regions celebrating the storm’s dramatic weather. Social media platforms are flooded with pictures and videos of individuals enjoying the heavy winds and rain, seemingly oblivious to the suffering just miles away. This juxtaposition highlights a troubling shift in societal attitudes.
Several factors contribute to this phenomenon. Firstly, the geographical and socio-economic divide means that people in urban and more affluent areas are often insulated from the direct impacts of such disasters.
This physical distance can lead to emotional detachment, making the suffering of others seem remote and less real. Secondly, the pervasive influence of social media encourages a culture of sharing and seeking attention, sometimes at the expense of sensitivity and empathy.
Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, appears to be eroding in the face of modern distractions and disconnections. The celebration of Cyclone Remal’s weather by some individuals starkly contrasts with the dire circumstances faced by those in the cyclone’s path. This behavior reflects a broader trend where the immediacy of one’s own experience overshadows the suffering of others.
Historically, communities would come together in the face of natural disasters, pooling resources and offering support to that in need. However, the current scenario suggests a growing indifference, or at the very least, a compartmentalization of empathy.
This detachment is alarming, as it undermines the social cohesion necessary for collective action and mutual support during crises. Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach. Media can play a pivotal role by highlighting the human stories behind the statistics, fostering a deeper connection and understanding among the wider population.
News coverage that focuses not just on the disaster itself, but also on the individual and community efforts to recover and rebuild, can inspire empathy and solidarity. Education systems should also emphasize the importance of empathy and community responsibility from a young age. Teaching children about the impact of natural disasters and the importance of supporting affected communities can cultivate a more empathetic and proactive society.
Cyclone Remal has brought to light not only the physical vulnerabilities of Bangladesh but also a troubling shift in societal attitudes. The celebration of adverse weather by those unaffected starkly contrasts with the suffering of others, underscoring a need for renewed emphasis on empathy and collective responsibility. As we navigate an increasingly disaster-prone world, fostering a culture of empathy and support is essential for building resilient and compassionate communities.
The writer is an Apprentice Lawyer at the Bangladesh Bar Council and LL.M (International Law) candidate at the Department of Law, University of Rajshahi.