Strengthening Cyclonic Disaster Preparedness through Early Warning

The entire coastal zone is prone to violent storm and tropical cyclones during pre monsoon and post monsoon season. Therefore, the Bangladesh coastal zone could be termed a geographical ¿death trap¿ due to its extreme vulnerability to cyclones and storm surges. Along with stress of poverty, people are becoming more and more vulnerable to cyclone in the absence of proper disaster preparedness options. Early Warning System is one of the most effective measures for Disaster Preparedness. Well-functioning of such a system is needed to deliver accurate information dependably and on-time. It should also be people-centered to empower communities¿ preparedness against natural hazards. Recent series of disasters in Bangladesh and neighboring countries have posed an added concern on the importance of emergency alerts.