The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Barisal

The country's areas that are identified as high-risk cyclone-prone area (HRCP) needed at least 22,150 new cyclone shelters which work as safe houses for 1,40,80,000 people during cyclones like 'Sidr'.

According to the Cyclone Preparedness Programme Office (CPPO) of Barisal, at least 1.6 crore people live in 13,500 square-kilometre areas in 147 upazilas of 19 districts along Bangladesh's coastlines.

"These areas are identified as high risk cyclone-prone area (HRCP) and they need at least 22,150 safe centres as one protection house can accommodate 800 people on an average", the sources said.

But, at present, there are only 2,400 cyclone shelters in the coast and offshore areas that can accommodate only 19,20,000 people and the rest 1,40,80,000 have to rely on fate.

Of the total, at present 62 cyclone centres can be used in Barisal, 26 in Jhalakathi, 31 in Pirojpur, 161 in Patuakhali, 42 in Barguna, 152 in Bhola, 401 in Cox's Bazaar, 198 in Noakhali, 106 in Feni, seven in Bagerhat, 28 in Satkhira, 497 in Chittagong and 34 in Khulna districts.

The rest 700 centres constructed in 1965 and 1972-1979 are dilapidated and no longer can be used, the sources added. After the recent 'Sidr' alerted on November 10, it was found out that for 1,04,000 people of Monpura Upazila of Bhola district, there are only 28 cyclone centres and two mud-houses which could provide shelter only to 24,000 people.

In Charfession Upazila of this district, there are only 15 cyclone centres and 18 mud-houses for providing 4,15,520 people while 20 cyclone centres in Patharghata upazila of Barguna district for 2,45,000 inhabitants.