As a coastal country, Bangladesh is no stranger to the threat of typhoons and cyclones. As the warmer seasons are well under way, we are seeing the first storm of the year, Cyclone Asani. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that the cyclone is likely to form over the central Bay of Bengal on March 21.
While it is too soon to predict the trajectory of the storm, there is a chance that the cyclone may cross Bangladesh. Thus, the best course of action here would be to assume the worst and prepare beforehand. Bangladesh has a lot of people living in danger zones, and a large part of these people’s livelihood depends on the seas.
If we wait around to see what happens and take reactive measures accordingly, it might be too late. Pro-active measures are always the best course of action when it comes to the tackling of natural disasters, and this cyclone shouldn’t be an exception.
As such, the authorities concerned should start closely monitoring the situation. If and when necessary, distress signals have to be sent out and people living in danger zones have to be mobilized and sent to cyclone centres. Funds and food have to be mobilized in case things take a wrong turn.
We may have a weak hint of the cyclone, but that doesn’t mean that we can ignore our responsibilities.
