Before sinking into a depression and weakening, Cyclone Sitrang claimed the lives of at least 18 other people in seven districts of Bangladesh. We are deeply saddened by their tragic deaths, but we would like to congratulate the government for evacuating most of those in danger. and avoid even greater casualties. At the same time, we would like to remind the government, aid teams and others in general that the most demanding situations are still ahead of us.
In addition to claiming lives, Sitrang caused immense damage throughout Bangladesh. According to a newspaper report, the country’s coastal districts have experienced disruptions to roads and power links. And the cyclone is suspected of causing severe damage to homes and crops. – and agriculture experts had warned before the cyclone’s impact that damage to crops could lead to a significant lack of food confidence for Bangladesh given the existing global circumstances. The government will have to assess the extent of the damage and take appropriate measures to mitigate it. and ensuring our food security.
In addition, offering quick relief and rehabilitation to those affected is the government’s number one priority right now. It is vital to be aware of any possible waterborne ailments that could occur after flooding caused by the cyclone. The government and aid agencies will have to stockpile and start distributing needed medicines to those affected.
The government had reportedly suspended operations on all types of water transport, at least thirteen trawlers were wrecked in the Bay of Bengal late at night. It will be necessary to investigate how this happened and arrangements will have to be made to ensure that such incidents do not happen in the future.
In 2020, Cyclone Amphan, the only “super cyclone” recorded over the Bay of Bengal, killed more than a hundred people in Bangladesh and India and affected millions. Last year, Cyclone Yaas hit the east coast of India and this year, Bangladesh has just been hit by Cyclone Sitrang. With COP 27 fast approaching, Bangladeshi officials are expected to present strong arguments to the foreign network at the climate summit to provide the budget to Bangladesh to mitigate this damage.
In addition to seeking funding, the government must recognize that it must move away from destructive progression projects that ravage the environment and spread communities to expanding risks. At the same time, it will need to make appropriate use of existing resources. budget for climate change-related projects, as it is becoming increasingly clear that Bangladesh is lately at the mercy of herbal bugs occurring more due to climate change.