Armed Forces prepare to tackle ‘Amphan’ aftermath

Armed Forces prepare to tackle ‘Amphan’ aftermath

The Army, Navy and Air Force, led by the Armed Forces Division (AFD), have made overall preparations to deal with the aftermath of extremely severe cyclonic storm ‘Amphan’.

‘Amphan’ moved north-northeastwards and lies over the same area. It is likely to move in a north-northeasterly direction and is likely to cross Bangladesh coast between Khulna and Chattogram on Wednesday.

The AFD has been liaising with the Disaster Management Monitoring Cell of the Prime Minister's Office, the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, the Department of Disaster Management, and other ministries and agencies.

“The AFD is always ready for any immediate need,” said Lt Col Abdullah Ibne Zaid, director of Inter Service Public Relation (ISPR) Directorate.

Bangladesh Army has 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. Besides, 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 camp to protect the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals.

Currently, 313 speedboats, 15 water purification plants, 239 outboard motors, four Japanese rescue boats, six fiberglass boats, 115 shark boats and two Landing Craft Utility/Landing Craft Vehicles are ready. Army Aviation is also ready to rescue and distribute relief.

Bangladesh Navy has made necessary three-level preparations to deal with any situation, including emergency rescue, relief and medical assistance after ‘Amphan’.

Twenty-five naval ships have been deployed in Chittagong, Khulna and Mongla naval areas to provide emergency rescue, relief and medical assistance in the sea and coastal areas as soon as possible.

In addition, the Navy has completed all preparations for two maritime patrol aircraft and two helicopters for search operations in the sea and coastal areas after the cyclone.

Shelters for displaced Myanmar nationals have been shifted to Bhasan Char and naval contingents have been prepared for deployment in coastal areas including Khulna, Bagerhat, Satkhira, Barguna, Patuakhali, Barisal and Pirojpur. The Navy is in constant touch with the local administration.

All Air Force aircrafts are ready for post-cyclone damage assessment, treatment and rescue operations. The Air Force aircrafts include six transport aircrafts and 22 helicopters.