Mahasen Although pre-preparation is extensive, post-disaster assistance is inadequate. Many people are still under the open sky

The Dhaka Times Desk Many people in the southern part of the country, which was hit by Cyclone Mahasena, are still living under the open sky. Many farmers are crying out for help. Government aid is woefully inadequate.

The situation in Khepupara of Patuakhali was indescribable on May 15, the day when Mahasen struck first. The mud houses there were destroyed. The people of the affected areas said that since the government initiative before the cyclone has weakened since the cyclone hit Khepupara, the victims have not been helped. All kinds of preparations including medical teams, volunteer teams, helicopters, ships, army, navy and government emergency allocations were visible during the cyclone forecast. But the local people complained that the help and cooperation of the victims after the cyclone is not visible.

Many in the affected areas have built shacks, some are living out of tins or in the homes of relatives. Students of the affected educational institutions are taking classes under the open sky. Relief did not reach many areas. Many affected people complained that they did not receive cash. Kalapara-Kuakata road connection has been closed for five days. There is no electricity in Kuakata, a potential tourist town. No one can say how long this situation will last.

Relief has not yet reached many of the people affected by Cyclone Mahasena in Patuakhali. Charmontaj of Rangabali Upazila, Charkajal of Galachipa Upazila, Charbiswam and Sadar Union suffered huge losses but some people of the area got relief. It has been alleged that although the damage is high in Kalapara, relief has not reached most of the areas. Disaster Management and Relief Minister Abul Hasan Mahmud Ali visited Charkajal, an isolated area of Patuakhali after five days. In the morning, thousands of men and women thronged the school ground on the news that the minister was coming to give relief, but 200 people were given 20 kg of rice and 50 people were given cash. However, the local member of parliament, Golam Mawla Roni, paid Tk 4 lakh to the victims from his personal fund.

Disaster Management and Relief Minister Abul Hasan Mahmud Ali visited Barguna affected areas yesterday afternoon on May 20. At 3.40 pm, he came by seaplane and got down at Baraitala Ferry Ghat in Barguna. From there, he went to Baraitala Government Primary School and handed over relief to the victims.

According to the government, 4 lakh 47 thousand 896 people have been affected in 7 upazilas of Bhola. However, Charfashan and Manpura upazilas have suffered the most damage. According to the list of the district administration, a total of 68 unions in seven upazilas have been hit by the cyclone. Four lakh 47 thousand 896 people of 89 thousand 720 families of those areas have been affected. Information: From various online magazine sources.