Our Preparedness, Our Strength

In 2007, a very severe cyclone, sidr hit the southern part of Bangladesh. Many people lost their valuable lives and resources. It destroyed the socio-economic arrangements of Kaukhali (a sub-district of Pirojpur district). This severe disaster caused huge damage to resources, crops and shelters. This caused a great havoc to the local people.

Present disaster condition

At present, the local people are more conscious. They discovered their own coping mechanism to face disasters. Educational and faith-based organizations are playing a great roll in this sector. Regular warning are being forecast due to disasters by Mosques. These are also being used as the disaster shelters.

"Teachers are teaching us what we have to do after, before and during disasters. They also organize many workshops for us. They also tell us to inform our family members about disasters" a student said. Teachers are distributing many disaster-related knowledges among the pupils. They are inspiring students in volunteerism.

For Better Preparedness

But still there are some lackings and problems. "Our total disaster system is pretty good. But it could be better if GOs and NGOs worked together. They have a lack of co-ordination. In this case, local government have to come forward. If we solve this problem ,we will get a neat work on disaster" as a primary school teacher said.

There is also a problem. We have insufficient cyclone shelters in Kaukhali. Government can build more cyclone shelters/schools.

Thus, we can prepare ourselves strongly to face future disasters. If we take proper preparation, we will get mental strength due to disasters. so we can say: Our preparedness, Our strength.