With another cyclone looming, it is time for Bangladesh to once again remain vigilant; while the resulting cyclone may eventually not pose much of a threat, given our difficulties with limiting loss of life as well as damages from cyclones, we can never be too careful.
Bangladesh is no stranger to natural disasters, and it is certainly not unfamiliar with the devastation caused by cyclones. However, we are more accustomed to dealing with cyclones during earlier months, and this is the second recent instance of a cyclone forming in the bay during winter, the first of which caused more damage than anticipated, and which this newspaper editorialized on.
This recent trend of ill-timed cyclones represents a shift in our weather due to the effects of climate change, and we would be foolish not to notice. Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable nations in terms of climate change, and while we are doing everything we can to spearhead the global climate movement, this recent trend is a reminder that time is running out.
Furthermore, we remain underprepared to save lives despite facing cyclones every year. To that end, the authorities must carefully monitor this latest depression and ensure that no stone is left unturned to prepare. Proper alerts have to be issued and pro-active measures have to be taken as appropriate.
In the long term, we need to carefully observe this emergent pattern and make necessary changes in our entire cyclone defense mechanism, for it is clear that currently, we are getting caught off guard. Cyclones will not be going away any time soon, so what must change is how well prepared we are to face them.
Monday, July 20, 2026
