UNB, DHAKA

The government has so far estimated the losses caused by cyclone Remal at Tk 7000 crore, said State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Md Mohibur Rahman on Wednesday.

The overall damage report of the cyclone will be handed over to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday, he said while speaking at dialogue titled, “Government preparedness to tackle natural disasters” held at the secretariat.

Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters’ Forum (BSRF) organised the programme.

Already an inter-ministerial meeting was held on Tuesday to ascertain the damage caused by Remal and this is the first time that the overall damage report will be handed over to the Prime Minister, said the minister.

“I’ve so far got about 90 per cent estimates while the rest will be found today. I will give the estimate of the damage to the Prime Minister so that she can do the next work properly,” he said.

He also informed that the barrier experienced major damages this time while fishery sector suffered huge losses.

Referring to the earthquake, Mohibur said, “We are working to recruit more volunteers in urban areas to tackle aftermath of possible earthquake and in case of building collapse, we have made extensive plans to remove those and rescue people.”

“My major concern is earthquakes as Bangladesh is among the earthquake-prone countries. Richter scale 8 magnitude earthquakes can occur anytime and thousands of people in Dhaka city may get trapped,” he said.

BSRF general secretary Masudul Haque administered the programme while its president Fasih Uddin Mahtab was present.