The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed yesterday directed all concerned to work round the clock without any negligence to mitigate the sufferings of the cyclone-hit people of the country including the coastal area.

He gave the direction while presiding over a special meeting of the council of advisers held at his office reviewing the post cyclone rescue and relief operations and rehabilitation programme.

The Chief Adviser asked the concerned authorities to take steps in restoration of road communication, setting up satellite telephone in the affected areas where telecommunications were disrupted due to cyclone and restoration of power supply in an urgent basis.

In this connection, he directed the power, telecommunication and communication secretaries to work in a coordinated manner to reduce the sufferings of the affected areas.

Laying emphasis on distribution of relief materials among the cyclone victims, Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed said, the government has sufficient stock of relief goods which are being distributed in the affected districts assessing the needs of the people.

He also asked the local administration to further assess theextent of damage immediately so that government could provide assistance for the victims as per their needs.

The Chief Adviser said that his government also put special emphasis on reconstruction of damaged houses in the affected areas and Taka 35 crore has already been allocated for this purpose.

Earlier, Disaster Management and Relief secretary Ayub Mia made a presentation at the meeting on the extent of damages caused by the devastating cyclone that lashed over the country on Thursday night.

Briefing newsmen after the meeting, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Syed Fahim Munaim said, a total of 23 districts in the coastal area were more or less affected by the cyclone.

Of them, he said, 12 districts were badly affected where standing crops, dwelling houses were damaged and trees were uprooted. The worst affected 12 districts are- Patuakhali, Bagerhat, Pirojpur, Barisal, Barguna, Jhalakathi, Bhola, Madaripur, Sariatpur, Gopalganj, Khulna and Satkhira.