Editorial
Post-hurricane relief
The order of priorities
Harrowing facts and figures of the devastation of hurricane Sidr are beginning to emerge with rescue operations going on in some of the worst affected areas. Understandably, it is still too early to determine the extent of fatalities, as many remote areas remain impenetrable to the search parties. Nevertheless, it is comforting to note that various government and non-government organisations, voluntary organisations and the armed forces have already launched relief and rescue operations to reach succour to the affected people. Yet, we feel, the enormity of the disaster and its aftermath demand more energetic and well-synchronised relief operations, and this can be best done through prioritising the immediate, mid-term and long-term requirements.
Since most of the households have been flattened by the storm, people will have no means to cook food; therefore, immediate steps should be taken to reach dry food like biscuits, bread and fruits and safe drinking water to feed the starving. Relief teams going to the remote areas should also be guided by the local civil administration not to duplicate their activities. It would be judicious to divide the affected area into zones so that relief teams can reach everyone with help. Providing temporary shelters by setting up tents should also be given due consideration by the rescuers. With the possibility of outbreak of diseases like diarrhoea and dysentery looming ominously, setting up of medical camps in some strategic places should be another measure to be taken immediately. We feel, among the long-term measures, providing construction materials, cash money and crop seeds would help in rehabilitating the people and keeping the wheel of rural economy moving.
Undeniably, the hurricane has struck a severe blow to the economy of the country and traumatised the people caught in its wake.
It is, therefore, expected that at such dismal times of national disaster people belonging to different faiths, beliefs and political ideologies would unite and stand beside the affected ones forgetting their differences. Besides national efforts, we are encouraged to note that the UN organisations, international NGOs and individual countries have also extended their hands in assistance. No doubt, such coordinated efforts will result in bringing solace to those who have survived the hurricane.
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