By Sunil Amrith
Click here for an interesting video by Naimul Haq on Bangladesh’s response to natural disasters. A widely predicted effect of climate change is the increasing intensity and frequency of extreme weather events—to which Bangladesh has been no stranger. Haq’s video discussion examines the effects of Cyclone Mohasen, which struck in May 2013. He points out that loss of life was far lower than in previous cyclones (Alia in 2009, Sidr in 2007): in part this was because Mohasen had weakened by the time it hit land, but Huq argues that this also owes much to Bangladesh’s increasing preparedness and resilience in the face of natural disasters. He emphasizes the efficiency of the evacuation of over a million people in advance of Mohasen, thanks to Bangladesh’s Cyclone Preparedness Programme, which has increased its reach and its capacities over the past three decades.