International Day for Disaster Reduction today

Desk Report: The International Day for Disaster Reduction is being observed in the country as elsewhere across the world today (Oct 13).

On October 13 every year, governments and non-government organisations observe the day to raise awareness about importance of disaster reduction.

On the occasion of day, President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina gave separate messages.

In his message, the President said Bangladesh is one of the most disaster-prone countries, especially in tremor risk.

“We are not free from tremor risks. It destroys life as well as houses and infrastructures…I think the electronic and print media can play a vital role in creating awareness among the people by publishing and broadcasting information about tremors,” he said.

In a separate message, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said the government is implementing a number of effective measures to reduce risks of different natural calamities.

“Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is the pioneer in implementing disaster risk reduction programmes in the country. He took steps to make Mujib Killa for saving lives from cyclones. He also established Cyclone Preparedness Programmes (CPP) in 1973 for the coastal people of the country,” she added.

The theme of this year’s International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction is time-befitting, she said and added that it is possible to make the disaster management more dynamic by integrating modern technology and indigenous knowledge.

She urged the people to be more aware to reduce the loss of life and property caused by earthquake and lightning and to follow the building code while making buildings.

The government has taken initiatives to prepare an adequate number of volunteers in every district for post-disaster period, she said.

“We made Disaster Management Act-2012 and National Disaster Policy-2015,” the Premier said, adding the government bought rescue instruments worth Taka 169 crore for combating earthquake.



risingbd/Oct 13, 2018/Mukul