Sympathies to be translated into actions

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IT is time for the nation to demonstrate its best qualities -- love and compassion for the distressed humanity. The heart-rendering scenes of destruction and devastation caused by the cyclone SIDR that the viewers watch over the electronic media evoke all our sympathies for the countless who have borne the burnt of this natural disaster. Our sympathies should be translated into actions. Those of us who still live in relative comforts do need to extend our helping hand to those who are passing their days in great misery. It is not cash money alone that the people in distress need. They are also looking for food, clothes, water purifying tablets, utensils, housing materials, medicines etc. The government alone cannot provide all such things. It is the duty of all sections of people to extend supports, organise relief operations and provide succour to the survivors in the cyclone-battered south western coastal districts of the country.
Meanwhile, the cyclone SIDR has taught us a lesson. While cyclone is a natural disaster which is beyond human capacity to control, it is not impossible to help strengthen the country's disaster mitigation systems. We need to consider seriously steps for rehabilitation of the affected people in such a manner so that the extent of damage and destruction, in the event of cyclones and tidal surge in the future, can be minimised. Thousands of families have lost their beloved ones because of 'Sidr' and millions have lost their livelihoods and shelter. We should do our best for those millions in order to provide them shelter and ensure sustainable livelihoods. Hence, rehabilitation activities should start forthwith in a befitting manner, alongwith relief operations.
Abul Khair
34, Shantinagar
Dhaka