Early warning systems widened to cut disaster losses

The government is implementing a broad range of measures aimed at reducing the impact of cyclones, excessive rainfall, floods and river erosion, with a focus on strengthening early warning systems, improving emergency response and ensuring safe shelter for people living in disaster-prone areas, Parliament was informed on Tuesday.

Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu outlined the initiatives while replying to a written question from ruling party lawmaker Md Fazle Houda (Naogaon-3) in the Jatiya Sangsad (JS), which was in session with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, presiding.

The minister said efforts are underway to minimise disaster-related casualties and damage through the expansion of multidimensional early warning systems, digital forecasting technologies, the Cyclone Preparedness Programme (CPP), flood forecasting and warning mechanisms, community-based alert activities and risk-based anticipatory actions.

He said disaster warnings are now being communicated to the public through Interactive Voice Response (IVR) services, mobile messaging platforms and local administrative channels to ensure timely dissemination of information.

Highlighting post-disaster support measures, Dulu said affected households are provided with a range of relief and rehabilitation assistance. These include General Relief (GR) food and cash support, corrugated iron sheets, winter clothing, dry food, assistance for house construction and repairs, child nutrition support, livestock feed and other humanitarian aid.

“Special allocations are also provided to disaster-hit areas when necessary,” he added.

On shelter infrastructure, the minister informed the House that 327 cyclone shelters have already been built under the Multipurpose Shelter Construction Project in coastal and cyclone-vulnerable regions. He said the government plans to construct an additional 90 multipurpose cyclone shelters over the next three years.

Dulu also said disaster-resilient infrastructure projects are being implemented across the country, including the construction of rural roads, bridges and culverts, to ensure uninterrupted communication during emergencies.

To strengthen preparedness at the local level, he said regular training and capacity-building programmes are being conducted for disaster management committees, CPP volunteers, local elected representatives and other stakeholders involved in disaster response.

According to the minister, these initiatives are intended to enhance the country’s ability to respond effectively to natural disasters while reducing risks and safeguarding lives and livelihoods.