By S.M. Osman Gani Sohag, from the Coastal Region

In Shyamnagar, Satkhira, a youth awareness drill and discussion session were held to mark International Disaster Preparedness Day 2025. The event, organized jointly by the Sundarbans Student Solidarity Team (SSST) and the Shyamnagar Upazila Youth Volunteer Coordination Committee with support from BARCIK, took place at Barsa Resort.

The session, presided over by SSST’s Burigoalini Unit President Md. Masum Billah, focused on youth’s role in disaster preparedness. Trainers, including Md. Shamim Hossain and Md. Saidul Islam from SSST and the Youth Red Crescent, shared vital insights.

The discussants in the event emphasize on establishing homes and livestock shelters in elevated areas, planting flood-resistant vegetation, and storing essential supplies like food, water, and medicine. Families were encouraged to learn swimming and stay informed about early warning signals. They also prioritized on protecting valuables, securing livestock, and ensuring access to safe drinking water during the disasters. They said that vulnerable groups, including children, elderly, and pregnant women, should be prioritized for evacuation. Additionally, the discussants discussed on post disaster actions as well. They said that ensuring safe return, cleaning and disinfecting homes, providing first aid, and assisting in relief distribution are post disaster actions. They urged the youth to take leadership roles in community recovery efforts.

The session concluded with a cultural performance and an awareness rally, where volunteers showcased disaster risk reduction tools such as sirens, ropes, helmets, and emergency kits while marching through Burigoalini Union’s main roads.

Officials from BARCIK and local youth leaders attended, emphasizing the importance of proactive disaster management to minimize losses.