Most Read

Weather forecasting

9 October 2006, 18:00 PM
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
By Md. Emdadul Huq, Vill. Charkumari, Titas, Comilla
9 October 2006, 18:00 PM
So far my knowledge goes, the weather forecasting on radio and television started ( in all seriousness) after the devastating cyclonic storm and tidal bore on November 12, 1970. Till date our weather forecasting system and machinery are not up to the mark to meet the challenge of accurate forecasting. After the huge loss of lives and properties in the cyclone of 29 April 1991, a high powered committee was formed by the government to update the storm warning system for inland and seaports but the report is yet to see daylight for which the poor nation is suffering a lot.

The present storm warning system was introduced in 1962, which is not adjustable with the present requirements because the no. 3 & 4 are the danger and great danger signals for inland river ports but these are only cautionary and warning signals for seaports, which is very confusing to the people.

Signal no. 2 for inland river ports means only 65 ft and below in length vessels should take shelter but the above 65 ft vessels are allowed to ply despite no. 2 warning signal, which caused many launch mishaps. For example, in 2003 & 2004 MV. Salauddin-2 MV Mitali-3, MV Diganta Express and MV Lighting Sun sank when the warning signal 2 was on. These vessels should not have been allowed to ply when the river conditions were very rough.

Google News LinkFor all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.

The Meteorological Department must perform better to make the lives of people safer.