Experts urge inclusive early warning system to protect coastal fishermen
Real-time alerts via a VHF radio network could significantly reduce loss of life during extreme weather events, they say
Experts have called for the urgent expansion and institutionalisation of an inclusive early warning system to protect the lives of fishermen operating in coastal and deep-sea areas.
Addressing a national workshop at Hotel Abakash in Mohakhali, Dhaka, today (30 May), they stressed that marginalised fishing communities must be included in disaster preparedness efforts, particularly through the rapid scaling up of the national Very High Frequency (VHF) radio network to ensure timely dissemination of alerts.
Organised under the Skills and Training Enhancement Project (STEP), the workshop titled "Capacity Assessment for Early Warning Dissemination to Deep Sea Fishermen through VHF Radio Network", was jointly facilitated by Action Against Hunger, United Purpose, Cordaid, and Plan International Bangladesh, with technical support from Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (Rimes) Bangladesh and NIRAPAD.
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KM Abdul Wadud, additional secretary at the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief and chairperson of the Forecast Based Financing/Action (FbF/A) Task Force, attended the workshop as chief guest.
"This pilot project is a crucial initiative that ensures no one is left behind at any stage of disaster preparedness," he said.
Speakers at the workshop highlighted that marginalised fishermen are among the most vulnerable during extreme weather events, yet they often remain excluded from conventional warning systems.
They stressed that real-time alerts through a robust VHF radio network could significantly reduce loss of life and safeguard livelihoods in these communities.
