International Disaster Risk Reduction Day today

This year, the international observance is being celebrated under the theme “Live To Tell: Raising Awareness, Reducing Mortality”. On October 13 every year, governments and non-government organisations celebrates the day to raise awareness about importance of disaster prevention risks and on how people and communities can reduce their disaster risks. The issue of disaster management is particularly important for Bangladesh as the country is at most risk of natural disasters mainly because of its high population density, low-lying topography, and geographical location. Risks relating to natural catastrophe are considered to be a considerable problem here in Bangladesh because of its low level of disaster resilience among its population and high exposure to multiple hydrometeorological hazards. Bangladesh incurred an average annual loss equal to 1.8% of GDP due to natural disasters in the past two decades, according to sixth five year plan of the government. Available data shows that the country experienced over 200 natural disasters since 1980 where the death toll reaches to around 2 lakh people creating an economic loss of around $17bn.

13% households in Bangladesh under disaster risks

Around 13% of households and 12.65% of the population in Bangladesh are under risk of disasters, found a recently released report of Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS). When comparing divisions, Dhaka and Sylhet are most vulnerable to floods, Rajshahi and Rangpur to drought, Chittagong and Khulna to water logging, Barisal and Chittagong to cyclones, Rangpur and Rajshahi to tornadoes and, Khulna and Chittagong to salinity, the report titled “Bangladesh Disaster-related Statistics 2015: Climate Change and Natural Disaster Perspectives” has found. Between 2009-14, Bangladesh lost Tk184.25bn due to disasters. Out of total financial damages, Dhaka division led with 25% followed by Barisal’s 20.07%, Khulna’s 15.86%, Rajshahi’s 11.77%, Chittagong’s 10.33%, Sylhet’s 8.50% and Rangpur’s 8.47%, it added.

PM to inaugurate government programmes

The ministry of disaster management and relief has chalked out different plans including awareness campaigns to observe the day. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate the programme of the day with a ceremony organised at Osmani Memorial Auditorium at 10:30am in Dhaka. In addition, different discussion programmes and awareness raising programmes will be held across the country as part of observance of the international day. Meanwhile, a Memorandum of Understanding is scheduled to be signed between Institute of Disaster Management and Vulnerability Studies of Dhaka University and the Disaster Management and Relief ministry today.