Asadul Habib Dulu: 128 flood shelters to be constructed

Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu has said that 320 flood shelters have been constructed in 258 upazilas across 43 flood-prone districts of the country to tackle floods and cyclones, with plans to build 128 more.

He provided this information in response to a written question from MP Md Abdul Mannan of Brahmanbaria-5 during the eighth sitting of the first session of the 13th National Parliament, chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikram.

The Minister said the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief has taken various special measures under different projects to reduce disaster risks and strengthen preparedness.

Key measures include:

1. To address floods and cyclones, 320 flood shelters have been built in 258 upazilas of 43 flood-prone districts, with 128 more planned. In addition, 90 multipurpose cyclone shelters will be constructed in coastal and cyclone-prone areas. Across the country, 115 disaster shelters have already been built, and another 122 are planned.
2. To ensure quick and easy access to shelters during disasters, 12,245 bridges and culverts have been constructed nationwide, with 2,036 more planned. 6,788 kilometers of HBB roads have been built, and another 1,000 kilometers will be constructed.
3. In 35 upazilas across 12 districts, telecommunications equipment, firefighting equipment, radio sets, 12 rescue boats, and 413 shallow water resource boats will be procured for emergency rescue operations during disasters.
4. To address earthquake risks, 11 aerial platform ladders have been procured and handed over to the Fire Service and Civil Defence. Three forklifts and three 20-ton and three 48-ton dozers have been provided to the Armed Forces Division. The government also plans to procure additional firefighting equipment, tents, air boats, speedboats, emergency response vehicles, search and rescue equipment, and telecommunications tools for distribution among the Fire Service and Civil Defence, Armed Forces Division, Bangladesh Navy, Bangladesh Coast Guard, and Border Guard Bangladesh.