Monsoon season in Bangladesh this year has begun presenting warning signals of some of its devastating consequences, with floods recorded in numerous areas across the nation, and many more in danger of landslides.
While authorities raised caution in various regions of the heightened possibility of landslides -- even urging evacuation and setting up shelter homes -- it is saddening to know that landslides continue in places like Rangamati and Bandarban.
It is absolutely imperative at this stage, while warning signs have been identified, for the authorities involved to take preemptive measures to protect people and areas in danger of being affected.
Landslides are nothing new in Bangladesh, triggered by the heavy rainfall commonly recorded every year. Therefore, with years of experience in tackling such occurrences, we ought to be better prepared to prevent it from wreaking havoc.
Our short-term plans must include increased awareness of the risks of landslides, and the prompt relocation of the residents in danger zones to stable shelters with all necessary resources made available to them.
That is merely the first step, however.
The authorities must also immediately begin taking long-term measures to avoid the annual risks of landslides in the future. Commonly affected regions must be reestablished with improved infrastructure and stronger homes, ensuring less erosion surrounding the areas and lowered risk of damage and casualties.
It has been said before: No life should be affected by natural events that we know to be commonplace in a country so vulnerable to such disasters. We have a duty to protect our people and country, and it is time that we take active measures to do so.