Photo : BSS

BHOLA, June 28, 2026 (BSS) – Several hundreds of people participated in a cyclone preparedness drill in the coastal district of Bhola aimed at raising mass awareness and strengthening community readiness to face natural disasters.

The drill, organized by the Cyclone Preparedness Programme (CPP) at Elias Mia Secondary School ground under sadar upazila on Saturday afternoon, focused on minimizing loss of life and property through advanced preparedness before, during and after the disasters at the individual, family and community levels.

Every year, cyclones claim lives and cause huge damage to homes and livelihoods in coastal regions. Organizers said due to lack of awareness often exacerbates the impact of such disasters, making public preparedness exercises essential.

The simulation portrayed the daily life of a coastal village before a powerful cyclone struck, devastating homes, uprooting trees and leaving many people injured. 

Following the storm, CPP volunteers demonstrated rescue operations, first aid and emergency response measures.

Officials emphasized that the exercise was not based on a real incident but was designed to educate coastal residents about the appropriate actions to take in the event of a natural disaster. 

Several hundreds of spectators witnessed the demonstration to learn practical disaster response measures.

CPP volunteer Maksudur Rahman said the drill provided volunteers and villagers with a clear understanding of their responsibilities during the emergencies.

Senior government officials and residents from disaster-prone areas attended the awareness programme.

Secretary to the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief Md. Saidur Rahman Khan distributed awards among the CPP volunteers, who participated in the drill.

Organizers said such exercises are intended to improve disaster preparedness at all levels of the society and reduce casualties and property damage by ensuring timely action before, during and after disasters. 

They also announced plans to organize similar drills in schools to help future generations become more aware of disaster preparedness.

Director of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief and CPP (Administration) Mohammad Nazmul Abedin attended the programme as the chief guest with Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Bhola Dr. Shamim Rahman in the chair

Among others, Bhola Zila Parishad Administrator Md. Golam Nabi Alamgir, Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md. Arifuzzaman and Additional Superintendent of Police Md. Sohan Sarkar, were present at the function as special guests.

CPP District Deputy Director Md. Hasanul Amin, its Sadar Upzila Team Leader Abul Hasnat Taslim and Plan International Bangladesh Humanitarian Affairs Adviser Mohammad Sazed were also present, among others.