Armed forces ready to step in post-cyclone recovery

Bangladesh Army, Bangladesh Navy, Coast Guard along with Fire Service and Civil Defence are prepared to assist in the post-cyclone recovery as the super cyclonic storm "Amphan" has been nearing the country's coast ferociously.

"The armed forces are working with the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, Department of Disaster Management and other ministries to support rescue activities, relief distribution and medical treatment after the cyclone," a press release issued by the Inter Service Public Relation Directorate (ISPR) said.

Bangladesh Army already coordinated pre-disaster and post-disaster activities with the civil administration. 

It has kept 18,400 relief packets from its own sources and 71 small medical teams ready. 

Also, 145 small disaster management teams with special equipment are ready for deployment on short notice.

A special disaster management team, experienced in landslides, is ready to be deployed in the Rohingya camps.

Now 313 speedboats, 15 water purification plants, 239 outboard motors, four Japanese rescue boards, six fibreglass boards, 115 shark boards and two landing craft utility or landing craft vehicle are ready.

Also, Bangladesh Airforce remains prepared for post-disaster assessment, rescue operation, and relief distribution. 

Bangladesh Navy deployed 25 ships for emergency rescue, relief, and medical operations. 

Two maritime patrol aircraft and helicopters are also on standby for conducting search operations over the Bay of Bengal and other coastal districts.

"Up to now, we have moved around 2,000 people to cyclone shelters," Upazila Nirbahi Officer at Satkhira's Shyamnagar upazila ANM Abuzar Gifari said, adding that the process of moving more people is underway despite gale and heavy rain.

"We have decided to move about 60,000 people to safety while ensuring social distancing."

"An emergency medical team is ready to serve. And the army and other specialised forces are prepared to take part in rescue operations once the cyclone crosses the coastline of the country."

In Cox's Bazar, Ramu 10th infantry division of Bangladesh Army has taken preparation to combat the possible damages of "Amphan" which is likely to hit Bangladesh's coast on Wednesday midnight. 

The cyclonic storm will be tackled with the highest efforts like the Covid-19 response in the district, said Major Tanjil, media coordinator of Ramu 10th infantry division. 

"A joint exercise was held on Monday in 34 camps, sheltering 11 lakh Rohingya refugees, across Ukhia and Teknaf upazilas as a preparatory step."