Govt’s quick response averted disaster: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said her government’s quick response reduced the damage and averted a disaster in the wake of cyclonic storm Mora.

“Government’s quick response to evacuate people to the cyclone centre and others has reduced human loss due to the cyclone Mora,” she said at parliament.

“We are lucky that the storm hit the land during the ebb tide and as a result the storm surge did not become deadly,” she added while speaking in reply to a lawmaker’s query.

But a number of houses and establishments were damaged as well as countless trees were uprooted, she added. ‘We are preparing list of affected people who had lost their houses.”

Premier Hasina also assured rebuilding of all houses and establishments damaged by the cyclone. She also said two Navy ships had already reached Kutubdia and Teknaf – worst affected areas – to carry out relief works.

“Helicopters are ready to operate relief works in the remote areas if needed,” Hasina said.

Food and cash money is reaching the affected people. Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, administration and local government is working together for relief and rehabilitation works, Hasina added.

Beside, Hasina, also leader of the House said, Awami League has formed several teams to visit the affected areas.

Thousands of people are living in the open sky as severe cyclonic storm Mora lashed the country’s southeastern coast, damaging thousands of houses and blowing over trees Tuesday morning.

At least seven people were killed and dozens were injured in the cyclone that sent fishing boats and ships aground and knocked out power connections to thousands of houses in almost entire Cox’s Bazar and parts of Chittagong.

Hasina while replying a supplementary question said that government has special attention on reconstruction and construction of embankment at coastal areas.

She also asked water resources ministry to work more quickly and efficiently.

Source: thedailystar