How to ensure safety in the face of Kalbaisakhi storm

Although other countries in the world experience snowstorms, blizzards or dust storms, these storms do not occur in Bangladesh due to its geographical location.

However, at the beginning of summer, between March and May, the devastating Kalbaisakhi strikes various parts of the country. This storm often takes a deadly form; because the average wind speed of Kalbaisakhi is 40 to 60 kilometers per hour, but in some cases it exceeds 100 kilometers. Although people of all professions are more or less affected by this onslaught, farmers and fishermen in villages and char areas are the most in danger. Not only do people inside the houses suffer casualties when trees are uprooted and fall on their houses due to the intensity of the storm, but also thatched houses suffer extensive damage. Even domesticated livestock lose their lives due to the impact of Kalbaisakhi. Added to this is hail, which destroys crops in one field after another in an instant.

Therefore, to avoid this irreparable loss of life and property, here are some things to do to deal with Kalbaisakhi:

1. Listen to weather reports regularly so that fishermen and boatmen can quickly return to safe shelter if they are in the deep sea or river.
2. If there are old or rotten trees near the house, trim their branches in advance so that they do not fall on the house or people in the storm.
3. Move cows and goats to a safe shed or high place before the storm starts.
4. Keep flashlights, matchboxes, candles, dry food and first aid kits close at hand.
5. Keep important papers, such as exam certificates, mark sheets, important books, documents, etc. safe or wrap them in polybags.
6. Disconnect unsafe electrical connections. Remove sharp broken objects so that you do not get hurt.
7. Boil water and store dry food. If the storm lasts for a long time, they will come in handy.
8. Do not go out during storms and rains. If you have to go out, it is better to keep an umbrella with you.
9. Turn off the electrical connection of the house during storms. Keep the main switch off.