In a bid to save Rohingya refugees from the onslaught of natural disasters in the upcoming monsoon season, a string of measures, including launching of a Rohingya language- based community radio, have been initiated by the government and donor agencies.
Over 1.0 million Rohingya refugees have taken shelter in Kutupalong and adjacent areas under Cox's Bazar district since the beginning of the Myanmar military crackdown in Rakhine State on August 25, 2017.
Grave concerns have been raised among many over the fate of the thousands of Rohingya refugees during the next monsoon season.
In total 133,000 refugees are identified as vulnerable and 25 thousand shelters are being made on a 500-acre land adjacent to the Kutupalong area.
Besides, 5,000 houses have been selected within the host communities where many refugees would be shifted during the monsoon season.
"These houses and shelters will be completed by March 31 this year, "Md Shah Kamal, Secretary of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief told The FE on Sunday.
He said pregnant women, children, disabled people and senior citizens would be given priority in cases of relocation.
According to an assessment made by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), up to one-third of the settlement area could be flooded, with more than 85,000 refugees losing their shelters. It said another 23,000 refugees living on steep slopes could be at risk of landslides.
Meanwhile, a few days ago, the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief has made a proposal to the UNHCR and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to launch a community radio that will broadcast disaster- related programmes in Rohingya language.
The two organisations have agreed to this proposal and are working on it, Kamal said.
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