These refugees living in steep hilly areas of Bangladesh and living in the flood-prone valley are said to be unprotected. It is almost impossible to arrange safe shelter and other necessities for the number of 7 lakh Rohingya refugees in the number. However, possible measures are being taken to address upcoming rainy season, cyclone and flood in Rohingya refugee camps. But if there is a severe storm or tidal surge, what will happen to them? Are they really able to deal with it? What are the measures taken by the government and international organizations of Bangladesh?
Why worry about the storm?
There is a lot of cyclone in Bangladesh. Apart from the very strong storms of Sidor, Aila, Mohasen, there are many small and big cyclones. Thunderstorms arise due to the storm, which later cause water logging and flooding.
There is also a lot of rain in the rainy season. Rohingya refugee camps are located in Cox's Bazar. One of the highest rainfall areas in the country is Cox's Bazar. Generally, June-July is monsoon, but in the beginning of May, the monsoon wind started the rain. Therefore, due to these natural disasters, refugee camps have more chances of suffering and disease.
What are the unprotected Rohingya in the upcoming rainy season and possible storm?
The departure of Rohingya from Myanmar was sudden None of them or the government of Bangladesh was ready for it. So the refugees have made their shelter in the way they were able. They settle down the trees from the muddy hills and settle down the trees. The government of Bangladesh has laid down the slopes of those lowlands which they have allotted for them and are living in weak structures.
Most of their homes are like tents, which can fly very fast if they are windy. And it is almost impossible to survive in the possible storm. Besides, there is danger of landslides and floods in the mountainous region.
An adviser on strengthening the UN's establishment in refugee camps is absolutely sure about this unprotected situation and risk. He said, "There is less chance of a bamboo sanctuary that will survive the cyclone." The international health agency warns that there is a risk of disease and a great loss of lives.
What are they doing for their help?
Many provisions are being taken to protect the Rohingya from the upcoming disasterful weather. Getting classes on how to strengthen their bamboo structure. Sandalsteps have been given in the streets and hills. New roads and bridges are being constructed to improve the communication system.
New colonies and drainage systems have been created to tackle the flood situation. If the refugee camps are completely separated due to flood or storm, an emergency depot has been set up to store food and goods.
There are also about 15,000 unorganized Rohingya refugees, which can be damaged in the rainy season, about 50 hectares of land are being cleansed and flat on the hills.
Can the refugee camps be vacant when the cyclone hits?
Although there are advanced warning systems in Bangladesh for predicting these disasters, there are no plans to remove them from Rohingya refugees camps in such circumstances. Because they are a lot more in numbers and there is no safer place to move them.
Will the Rohingya refugees be shifted to the floating char?
Bhasan Char, about two decades ago, a small island awakening the Bay of Bengal. The Bangladesh government is building roads, marine defense and shelter there. In April, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has confirmed that her government plans to transfer nearly one lakh Rohingya refugees to this island.
he says,
"Refugee camps are unhealthy. We have prepared a better place for them to live with home and shelter where they can earn. "
However, the United Nations and social welfare agencies are very concerned about this plan. If they put any refugees in danger, they will be separated and will be vulnerable to disaster and human traffickers.
When will the Rohingya return home?
In November last year, the repatriation agreement between Myanmar and Bangladesh was signed. Even after 6 months, no Rohingya returned to their country. Although Myanmar demands a 5-member Rohingya family to be repatriated. But the Bangladesh government has not ruled out.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, "Myanmar said that they are ready to take back Rohingyas but they are not taking any initiative." On the other side, Myanmar has said they are investigating refugees for reinstatement but they have not been given all necessary information from Bangladesh. The country has said they will allow UN agencies to help in the repatriation of Rohingya so that they can return home without fear.
What steps have been completed?
Work on improving roads, bridges and drainage systems is underway. The tasks that have been completed for them are:
According to the Inter Sector Coordination Group, by mid-April, around 70 percent of Rohingya people are getting food as a help.
About 1 lakh Rohingyas have been given treatment for malnutrition.
By mid-January, about 3,15,000 children under 15 years of age have been given a vaccine between 5 essential vaccines including diphtheria, hooping cough and tetanus.
The Bangladesh Army created more than 47,000 temporary temporary latrines.
There is a need for international pressure to rehabilitate Rohingya. Because after the contract of rehabilitation, it can not be implemented in 6 months. It is very difficult for a developing country like Bangladesh to meet all the needs of such a large number of people. Apart from this, this vast population of unprotected people will be more helpless during the upcoming disaster. It is necessary to take immediate steps now to avoid many deaths and diseases.
