The Cyclone Preparedness Programme in Bangladesh, Regional

a) High Frequency (HF) Transceiver radios, with a main base station located at the Dhaka
Headquarter, with the function to transmit information related to the cyclone and the
preparedness. From the field stations the local information related to the progress and effects of
the cyclone is sent to Dhaka HQ.
b) A Field station system of very high frequency (VHF) transceivers with the function to
receive and transmit messages from HF Field Stations to Sub-Stations located at Union level.
c) Transistor Radios used by each unit Team leader (2733 teams) with the function of
receiving meteorological information and cyclone warning signal bulletins transmitted by Radio
Bangladesh Special Weather Bulletin on regular basis during the time of cyclone or depression.
The HF Transceivers (Field Stations) of the CPP have been in operations from 1972 and the
VHF (field Sub station) since 1990. Since the end of 1995, the telecommunication network
covers almost 80 % of the estimated needs of the coastal belt. During after the cyclone of April
1991, the HF and VHF transceivers were the only means of communication from the coastal belt
of Bangladesh and proved their effectiveness before, during and after the cyclone. The network
has been as important asset for the post-cyclone relief operation to enable rapid collection of
essential information from the affected areas and to transmit operational directives to the relief
teams as it may proved again during 1994 and 1995 cyclone.
CPP is now operating a total of 115 Radio stations, out of which, 60 stations are located in
cyclone shelters, built by the BDRCS, in the high risk cyclone prone areas. Almost all these
radio stations are powered by solar panels with storage batteries. There are now 25 stations were
both HF/SSB and VHF/FM Radio transceivers are operating, and there are 8 stations where only
HF/SSB Radio transceivers are operating. Only VHF/FM Radio Transceivers are operated in 82
stations.
10. WARNING EQUIPMENTS AND
GEARS FOR VOLUNTEERS
I. Warning equipments :
To receive the meteorological storm warning signals, the Unit Team leaders are provided
with a transistor radio.
To disseminate the warning signals among the villagers megaphones, sirens, public
address equipments, signal lights and signal flags are provided to each volunteers team.
II. Volunteers gears :
To facilitate the volunteers movement in the cyclonic adverse weather, they are provided
with rain coats, gum boots, hard hats, life jackets and torch lights.
Beside these, the first aid & rescue volunteers are provided with first aid and rescue kits.
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