On Sunday, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department issued a warning of a cyclonic storm hitting numerous areas of Bangladesh and West Bengal on Tuesday. At least 19 coastal districts are at high risk, as the wind-driven surge is estimated to increase to 3-5 feet above the astronomical tide.
Cyclone Sitrang, originating from a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal, is expected to intensify further, which could have devastating effects on our coastal regions and its residents.
To that end, that the government has taken prompt precautionary measures is truly laudable. Local authorities in the risk-prone regions have been instructed to sound cautionary signal 3 to maritime ports, and a good number of cyclone shelters have been arranged for residents to seek refuge in.
Furthermore, several control rooms have been set up to monitor the situation and medical teams have been formed to assist the affected, with thousands of volunteers on standby.
This is the kind of proactiveness that we want to see from our authorities.
While Bangladesh is no stranger to severe natural calamities, cyclones of this magnitude have historically left a lot of damage in their wake. Too often, we have been caught unprepared, and last minute attempts at mitigating the damage have simply not been sufficient.
Thus, active measures being taken ahead of the cyclone is certainly the best approach, and can help evade any major catastrophes.
Government officials have also assured the public that immediate steps will be taken to repair any post-cyclone damage caused to the affected areas.
Considering the severity and possible hazards Cyclone Sitrang poses, the preparedness that authorities are demonstrating will certainly be handy in ensuring that our people are protected, and that together we can weather the upcoming storm.
