Modern speedboats to boost coastal  rescue capacity: Minister Dulu

NARAYANGANJ, Aug 18: Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Asadul Habib Dulu, MP, said on Tuesday that modern speedboats have been provided to 12 coastal districts with funding from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to strengthen rescue operations during disasters.

The government plans to provide similar rescue boats to 25 more districts in phases, Dulu said at a handover ceremony at the Narayanganj port.

He said the double-engine speedboats will allow rescuers to conduct operations even when a fourth danger signal is in effect. The boats will help rescue teams reach remote areas quickly and evacuate people during floods, tidal surges and cyclones, he said. Rescue boats also will be provided to haor areas in phases, he added.

The minister said the government is working to build houses for people affected by recent floods, distribute seeds to farmers and rebuild damaged roads and other infrastructure.