C T Online Desk: Residents of the Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar have become tense with the impending arrival of Cyclone Mocha as the camps are at high risk from landslides and flooding.
In the absence of dedicated cyclone centres at the camps, comparatively stronger structures such as schools, mosques and madrasas have been converted into temporary shelters. However, even these are buildings are semi pucca with tin roofs.
The authorities at the camps have been put on high alert to minimize damage from the cyclone, which may make landfall today. The local administration has been conducting awareness campaigns, among other preparations.
Mostafa Kamal Palash, PhD researcher on Meteorology and Climate at the University of Saskatchewan, Canada, said that strong winds of 120 to 150 km/h and high tides of 10 to 15 feet are likely to blow over the island of St. Martin. Similarly, due to wind speed of 100 to 120 km per hour, there is a possibility of extensive damage to houses in refugee camps. There is a strong possibility of 200 to 300 mm of rain over Cox’s Bazar district. As a result, the Rohingya refugee camps faces a strong possibility of massive floods and landslides.
According to the local administration, a volunteer team has been kept ready and Rohingyas have been asked to be vigilant against landslides and flooding. Arrangements have also been made to evacuate people from riskier areas to safe locations.
However, members of the Rohingya community told this correspondent they feared that even the safer locations were not strong enough to withstand the impact of the cyclone. Many people were seen trying to create additional supports for buildings using ropes and poles, and keeping aside important documents and essintials.
Md Edris Ali, a Majhi (community leader) of Kutupalong camp, said: “Everyone has been requested to be alert by mic announcements regarding the cyclone. Besides, vulnerable settlements in the hills have been asked to move to safety. However, the school buildings are not very safe as shelters.”
Mohammad Siddiqui, a Rohingya volunteer, said: “I am a volunteer on behalf of an NGO, going to people’s homes to inform about cyclone preparedness. Unfortunately, some are planning to stay in their homes even though they are at risk.”
The photo was taken by Rohingya photographer Maung Hla Myint Arfat
Nurunnahar, a 32-year-old mother of four, said: “We have been advised to take shelter in schools if we feel at risk. But we will not go anywhere, there as there is very little space, not for more than 10 to 12 families. Furthermore, there is a possibility of looting at the house during the disaster.”
Wazear Rahman, Armed Police Battalion (APBn) operation officer at Kutupalong Rohingya camp, told Dhaka Tribune: “We are here in case of emergency. If there is any problem, we are ready to rescue the people of the camp or provide any kind of cooperation. We already have seven teams ready to provide any kind of support regarding the cyclone, as well as a mega team.”
Another high official at the camp said eight schools, madrassas, mosques and CIC centres had been converted into shelters.
Around 3,500 volunteers have been kept ready in the Rohingya camps of Cox’s Bazar to deal with the cyclone.
Additional Refugees, Relief and Repatriation Commissioner Samchuddauja Nayan said: “A preparatory meeting was held regarding the post-cyclone situation, including ensuring the safety of the Rohingyas. In the meeting, all kinds of preparations to deal with the cyclone were decided, including to warn and evacuate people from risky areas.”
Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner Mohammad Mizanur Rahman said: “We only evacuated people from areas that are not coastal areas if there is a possibility of flooding. There is not much chance of flooding at the camp, but there is a possibility of landslides. If that happens, we are prepared to deal with the situation.”
He also said the temporary shelters would be sufficient to deal with the cyclone.
According to the RRRC, cyclone preparedness program volunteers, many NGo, Red Crescent and other volunteers will be on duty. Considering the situation, army, the armed police battalion, and police are working in coordination. Fire service units have been asked to be ready.
Apart from this, emergency medical teams and mobile medical teams of the health department are ready. A site management engineering group will work immediately if road communications are cut off.
In Cox’s Bazar, a total of 960,539 Rohingya refugees (198,037 families) are living in 33 camps. Out of the 33 camps, 17 are managed by IOM, where 486,737 Rohingya refugees (98,356 families) are living.
Cox’s Bazar is one of the most disaster-prone districts in Bangladesh, vulnerable to cyclones, floods, landslides, and other natural hazards that can cause loss of life and damage vital infrastructure in the camps. The latest cyclone also comes as the camps are still recovering from recent devastating fires that left around 20,000 refugees displaced.
IOM and its partners have trained volunteers and equipped health centres with mass casualty kits, mobile medical teams, and ambulances to handle medical emergencies during natural disasters. Over 2,000 volunteers have been trained to respond to cyclones, and 45 multi-purpose cyclone shelters have been made available for emergency evacuation.
