Govt considering relocation of hill residents: Minister

The government is considering relocating families living on hills and at the slopes to safer plain lands, Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu said on Tuesday, reports UNB.

"To reduce casualties from future natural disasters, the government is considering a plan to rehabilitate vulnerable families living on hills and at the foothills in safer plain areas," he said at press briefing after an inter-ministerial meeting on flood disaster management, emergency response and coordination held at the Press Information Department (PID) conference room in the capital.

The minister said 54 people have died in the floods, with the majority of the fatalities caused by landslides in hilly areas.

Dulu said his ministry has already allocated Tk 17.5 million (1.75 crore) for emergency relief operations, along with 3,250 tonnes of rice and dry food for the affected areas. Besides, the Prime Minister has allocated an extra Tk 2.0 million for each district from the Prime Minister's Relief Fund to support relief activities.