An integrated preparedness and field simulation drill on managing health risks during cyclones, exacerbated by climate change, was held on Thursday at Protapnagar United Academy in Ashashuni upazila of Satkhira.
The exercise was organized by Upazila Disaster Management Committee with financial support from Sanofi Foundation and technical assistance from CARE Project implemented by Action Against Hunger (ACF) and Uttaran.
The event was inaugurated by Satkhira Deputy Commissioner Kausar Aziz. The program was presided over by Ashashuni Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Shyamananda Kundu and moderated by Upazila Project Implementation Officer Amirul Islam.
Special guests included Md Harunar Rashid, Agricultural Engineer of Department of Agricultural Extension, Satkhira, Dr Nitish Chandra Goldar, Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer and Harunar Rashid Mridha, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Ashashuni Police Station.
Among others present were Abu Daud Dhali, Chairman of Protapnagar Union Parishad, Ruhul Quddus, Chairman of Anulia Union Parishad, Md Moniruzzaman Jamaddar, Project Coordinator of Uttaran, Khaleda Hasan Moon, Deputy Program Manager of ACF, Rezwan Ullah, Technical Manager of Uttaran, and Nazma Akter, Project Coordinator.
The simulation exercise demonstrated coordinated responses by various stakeholders in dealing with health risks during cyclones and other natural disasters. Activities included disaster preparedness measures, dissemination of early warning messages, evacuation to safe shelters, provision of emergency healthcare services, and rescue operations.
On the occasion, Sundarban Natya Goshti staged a timely drama highlighting disaster-time healthcare services, family safety, and community awareness in coastal regions. Hundreds of coastal residents, both men and women, attended and enjoyed the performance and drill.
Emphasizing the importance of strengthening preparedness and raising public awareness about health-related risks, Deputy Commissioner Kausar Aziz said that climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of natural disasters and associated health risks in Bangladesh’s coastal areas.
