RAJSHAHI, Oct 13, 2024 (BSS) - Speakers at a post-rally discussion today unanimously underscored the need for enhancing public awareness and befitting training to protect the life, livelihood and resources of vulnerable people across the country.
 
They viewed that the rate of disaster risks is gradually mounting due to various natural and man-made calamities. So, there is no alternative to the collective efforts of all governments and non-government organizations in this regard.
 
The District Administration and Department of Disaster Management jointly organised the discussion at the conference hall of Deputy Commissioner (DC) here in observance of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction-2024.
 
"The Role of Education in Protecting and Empowering Youth for a disaster-free future" was the main theme of the day of this year.
 
To mark the day, local administration brought out a colourful procession from the Collectorate Building premises that paraded some city streets and ended at the meeting venue.
 
A good number of government and non-government officials, political leaders, NGO personalities, civil society members, city elites, journalists and a large number of city dwellers took part in the procession with placards to create awareness among the people about how to reduce disaster risks.
 
District Relief and Rehabilitation Officer Md. Salah Uddin -Al- Wadud, in his address of welcome, gave an overview of the country's disaster situation and its mitigation activities.
 
Deputy Director of Local Government Tuktuk Talukder, Assistant Commissioner of Rajshahi Metropolitan Police Sheema Khanom, Executive Magistrate Ashique Jaman, Senior Station Officer of Fire Service and Civil Defence Abu Sama and city unit head of Red Crescent Society Shamim Ahmed addressed the discussion.
 
The meeting was told that the loss of lives and assets caused by natural disasters could be mitigated to a greater extent through united efforts of all and better management.
 
Elderly people and children should be given priority in the activities and process of disaster reduction as they are more vulnerable to any disasters.
 
There is no scope for preventing the occurrence of natural catastrophe, but there is scope of reducing damage and other casualties through the best uses of modern technologies and communication systems.
 
Later, an earthquake and fire drill was held demonstrating different tactics to protect life and assets from earthquake and fire.