Cold Wave in the Perspective of Bangladesh free essay sample

Recently there has been a new addition to the list of regular natural disasters of Bangladesh, named Cold Wave. This extreme natural event is termed as disaster when it adversely affects the whole environment, including human beings, their shelters, or the resources essential for their livelihoods. Bangladesh is currently experiencing severe cold waves in the winter for last few years. Northern and southwest parts of the country experienced a rapid fall in temperature on 1 January 2010. Temperatures remained low since, with cold winds and serve fog. Poor people in the northern region of the country were the worst affected. The impact of the cold wave had resulted in a significant rise in respiratory illnesses, and in some cases death. The impact of Cold Wave is as notorious as other regular natural calamities of Bangladesh as far as the death toll is in concern. The recent Cold Wave that appeared on the January 2010 in Bangladesh took sixteen lives, out of which nine are children, and made most of the population of the northern Bangladesh to suffer with pneumonia, cold diarrhea, cough, fever, asthma and other cold-related diseases. Poor people in the northern region of the country were the worst affected. The impact of the cold wave had resulted in a significant rise in respiratory illnesses, and in some cases death. The impact of Cold Wave is as notorious as other regular natural calamities of Bangladesh as far as the death toll is in concern. The recent Cold Wave that appeared on the January 2010 in Bangladesh took sixteen lives, out of which nine are children, and made most of the population of the northern Bangladesh to suffer with pneumonia, cold diarrhea, cough, fever, asthma and other cold-related diseases. The rest of this article is organized as follows: We first discuss the characteristics of a cold wave. Then we write about the effects of cold waves. Next, we describe the cold waves in the perspective of Bangladesh, especially the reasons and the effects. Finally, we conclude the article by writing the summary and the recommendations. 2. What is Cold Wave? A cold wave is a weather phenomenon that is distinguished by a cooling of the air. Specifically, as used by the U. S. National Weather Service, a cold wave is a rapid fall in temperature within a 24 hour period requiring ubstantially increased protection to agriculture, industry, commerce, and social activities. The precise criterion for a cold wave is determined by the rate at which the temperature falls, and the minimum to which it falls. This minimum temperature is dependent on the geographical region and time of year. Occurrences of extreme low temperature along with dry cold winds from north into the sub continent are known a s cold waves. Cold waves are accompanied by high winds that cause excessive wind chills; leading to weather that seems even colder than it is. The damage arising from cold waves is mainly caused by the accompanying effects. Heavy snowfall can give rise to traffic chaos. Fatal accidents can occur if people fail to adapt their driving to road conditions. Ice rain can cause ice fractures in trees and telephone wires. The homeless, people who must spend time outdoors (e. g. for work) and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to the effects of cold waves. The cold wave has resulted in a significant rise in respiratory illnesses and, in some cases, death. Hundreds of people, especially children and the elderly, are suffering from cold-related diseases including bronchial asthma, pneumonia, coughs and diarrhoea. The Bangladesh Red Crescent is putting together a first warm clothes package to assist more than 30,000 people. The cold wave has had a terrible impact on northern communities. People are suffering from various cold-related illnesses. Cold waves can be forecast by modern weather forecasting. The weather forecasts can disseminate useful warnings to let the people try to keep themselves safe, as well as to prevent traffic accidents. . 1. Formation of cold waves A cold wave develops when cold air masses over large areas are brought in. In middle Europe this occurs mainly during winter months when cold air masses are transported from the polar region or from the East. In those northern areas cold air develops to a large reservoir due to low or even missing solar radiation during short autumn and winter days. Particular weather cond itions can transport these air masses as far as Central Europe. The fall of temperature is of the order of 10 °C within a few hours. Cold air masses are only slowly moving, therefore, a cold wave will normally last for several days. Fig 1: Cold Wave Formation Cold waves can also develop on other continents. During a cold wave on Rhode Island (USA) temperatures as low as -45 °C were measured in January 1994. The cold air masses transport only little moisture. Precipitation occurs as snow or sleet due to temperatures below freezing point. Cold waves can also be accompanied by strong wind. Such a phenomenon is called winter storm. 3. Effects of Cold Wave A cold wave can cause death and injury to livestock and wildlife. Exposure to cold mandates greater caloric intake for all animals, including humans, and if a cold wave is accompanied by heavy and persistent snow, grazing animals may be unable to reach needed food and die of hypothermia or starvation. They often necessitate the purchase of foodstuffs at considerable cost to farmers to feed livestock. Extreme winter cold often causes poorly insulated water pipelines and mains to freeze. Even some poorly protected indoor plumbing ruptures as water expands within them, causing much damage to property and costly insurance claims. Demand for electrical power and fuels rises dramatically during such times, even though the generation of electrical power may fail due to the freezing of water necessary for the generation of hydroelectricity. Some metals may become brittle at low temperatures. Motor vehicles may fail as antifreeze fails and motor oil gels, resulting even in the failure of the transportation system. To be sure, such is more likely in places like Siberia and much of Canada that customarily get very cold weather. Fires become even more of a hazard during extreme cold. Water mains may break and water supplies may become unreliable, making firefighting more difficult. The air during a cold wave is typically denser and any cold air that a fire draws in is likely to cause a more intense fire because the colder, denser air contains more oxygen. Winter cold waves that arent considered cold in some areas, but cause temperatures significantly below average for an area, are also destructive. Areas with subtropical climates may recognize unusual cold, perhaps barely freezing, temperatures, as a cold wave. In such places, plant and animal life is less tolerant of such cold as may appear rarely. The same winter temperatures that one associates with the norm for Kentucky, northern Utah, or Bavaria would be catastrophic to winter crops in southern Florida, southern Arizona, or southern Spain that might be grown for wintertime consumption farther north, or to such all-year tropical or subtropical crops as citrus fruits. Likewise, abnormal cold waves that penetrate into tropical countries in which people do not customarily insulate houses or have reliable heating may cause hypothermia and even frostbite. Cold waves that bring unexpected freezes and frosts during the growing season in mid-latitude zones can kill plants during the early and most vulnerable stages of growth, resulting in crop failure as plants are killed before they can be harvested economically. Such cold waves have caused famines. At times as deadly to plants as drought, cold waves can leave a land in danger of later brush and forest fires that consume dead biomass. One extreme was the so-called Year without a summer of 1816, one of several years during the 1810s in which numerous crops failed during freakish summer cold snaps after volcanic eruptions that reduced incoming sunlight. Cold waves in Europe The 2012 European cold wave was a deadly cold wave that started on 27 January 2012 and brought snow and freezing temperatures to much of the European continent. There were 824+ deaths reported. [1] Particularly low temperatures hit several Eastern European countries, reaching as low as ? 35  °C (? 31  Ã‚ °F). The heaviest snow was recorded in the Balkan region, and in Northern Europe, as low as ? 9. 2  °C (? 38. 6  Ã‚ °F). Cold waves in Switzerland Periods with extraordinarily low temperatures can arise in Switzerland through the advection of polar air from northern latitudes or from continental air masses over eastern Europe. Cold wave occurred in Switzerland and large parts of Europe in winter 2009/2010. One of the best known cold waves resulted in the freezing of all Swiss lakes, including Lake Constance, in winter 1963. Cold waves and the number of frost days in Switzerland will tend to decrease in future as a result of climate change. Cold waves in Morocco An exceptional cold wave hits Morocco these recent days, causing a situation of distress of thousands of people throughout the kingdom. Food and blankets are basic needs to be distributed in this emergency situation. The Moroccan Red Crescent, in coordination with the National emergency committee, will support 1,500 families (7,500 beneficiaries) in the Region of Oriental and Taza Al Hoceima Taounat. Four localities of Figuig, Taza, Al Hoceima and Taounat will be targeted by the distribution operation of food parcels, blankets and mattresses. This operation is expected to be implemented over 2 months, and will therefore be completed by 10 April, 2012; a Final Report will be made available three months after the end of the operation (by 10 July, 2012). Cold waves in Tunisia An unusual and exceptional cold wave and heavy snowfall (the worst for the last 20 years) have been recorded in Tunisia since 31 January in the North West and inland regions, isolating villages and cutting roads. The most affected regions are: Jandouba, Kef, Kassrine,Siliana and Bizerta. The weather forecasts have predicted that the cold weather and snow blast will continue for the next few days as well, potentially causing further damages to cities and villages, and shortages in electricity and blockage of transportation by road. | | 4. Cold Wave in Bangladesh Bangladesh, a tropical country, usually enjoys a moderate winter. However, recently on1 January 2010, 7 January 2011 the temperature dropped sharply as a result of a severe cold wave with dense fog. January has always been the coldest month when the average temperature for most of the areas of the country is about 10 °C. However, according to the meteorological department, the temperature was recorded as 2 to 5 degrees Celsius less than the average temperature during that time of the year. The recorded temperature of 4-6 degrees Celsius, and in some places 4. 5 degree Celsius, according to the Meteorological Department, was the lowest temperature ever recorded in the country for the last 45 years. During a Cold Wave, gusty extreme cold wind coupled with heavy fog covers the whole area of Bangladesh. Historically the average winter temperature in Bangladesh is within 15 to 20 degree Celsius. However, in recent Cold Waves this average temperature has dropped to as low as 4 degree Celsius, a new record for the country. The most affected area during this calamity is the northern part of the Bangladesh which is closer to the Himalayas. Northern Bangladesh is the most poverty stricken area of the country where people have year round income poverty and seasonal food poverty during the time of agricultural lean seasons. The recent catastrophe of Cold Spell has magnified their sufferings to a severe extent, shortage of warm clothing and shelter has caused them even their lives. Cause and Effect of Cold Wave in Bangladesh The main reason for such calamity is the constant and consistent blow of chilly wind from the northwest blowing at a speed of 10-15 km per hour, which made the weather further cooler during the typical winter season. As there is no rain, pollen count in the air is relatively high in this season making the air full of dust and causing respiratory problem and allergic infections along with asthma, pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, respiratory problem, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Hospitals, especially those in the northern part of the country, are experiencing massive admission of patients suffering from cold related illnesses for the last few days. Reports received from different sources mentioned seriously sufferings of thousands and millions people living in the sandy char areas in Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, Gaibandha, Rangpur, Nilphamari, Bogra and Sirajganj districts on the Brahmaputra basin. The intense cold wave affected the seedlings of high yielding variety of paddy commonly known as IRRI. The farmers of Lalmonirhat and Dinajpur district said that the Blight disease of potato had affected their potato field due to absence of sunlight. There were some cases of poultry and livestock damages in villages of Kurigram, Lalmonirhat and Dinajpur districts. The cold wave impacted mostly on the poor people who did not have enough warm clothing to protect themselves from the cold (a high proportion of the country’s population is living under the poverty line). Women, children and the elderly were major victims of cold related diseases like respiratory infection, pneumonia, cold diarrhoea, etc. Their plight increased particularly during the night due to non-availability of warm clothes. Apart from health problems, some cases of deaths due to exposure to excessive cold were reported. According to Network for Information, Response and Preparedness Activities on Disaster (NIRAPAD), at least 50 people died due to exposure to the severe cold. The national-level response was only limited to blanket distribution from the Prime Minister’s Office and Ministry of Food and Disaster Management. The District Relief and Rehabilitation Office (DRRO) had received only 3,000 to 6,000 blankets from these two sources mentioned. However, those were inadequate compared to the huge need, therefore BDRCS and IFRC had launched a DREF operation to provide relief care packages to the affected population. The sufferings of poor people of northern Bangladesh reached to an untold terrible stage especially for those who live in the remote island areas of river Tista, which is locally known as Char. Some places in the northern part had not seen the sun for the last 3 to 4 days due to the extreme fog and clouds. Most places of the char areas in the river basins remained covered with fog, reducing the visibility till noon almost every day. In such situations, poor cannot join their regular work because of the unfavorable weather condition as well as due to sickness. As a result, they lose a significant share of their regular income, which further reduces their ability to take proper action against the shock. The daily transportation of food items from all parts of the country has been dangerously interrupted. Basic road and water transportation has been delayed for an indefinite time, causing major physical communication to an almost complete halt. Needless to say, such physical communication chaos has triggered the price of common household commodities to a seasonal extreme, causing the sufferings of the poor even more severe. People who took desperate attempt to hit the road ignoring such bad driving conditions have already paid the price with road accidents if not heavy traffic congestions in the highways. Reports published on paper after affecting form Cold waves On the daily news papers published the news related about cold waves when it hits on Bangladesh in recent time. Some experiences and the reports about the sufferings of cold waves that the people face are enclosed below: . one-chilling cold and thick fog hit the people hard, especially in the north, yesterday claiming at least three more lives raising the toll to nine in the last two days. 2. Hundreds, mostly children and the elderly, are suffering from different cold-related diseases due to this spell. 3. The weather also disrupted communications via roads, rivers and air yesterday. Almost all coaches travelling at night took two to three hours more than usual to reach their destinations due to heavy fog, said Khandaker Enayetullah, general secretary of Bangladesh Sarak Paribahan Samity. . Most launches on long routes like Dhaka-Barisal, Dhaka-Patuakhali, and Dhaka-Barguna were stranded in mid river for two to three hours due to the fog, said Rafiqul Islam, deputy director of Sadarghat Launch Terminal. 5. Two flights from Shahjalal International Airport were delayed for around an hour early yesterday due to thick fog covering the runway, while many passengers got stranded at Shah Amanat International Airport in Chittagong for several hours as flights to Dhaka were diverted there, said an airport official. . The ferry service on Mawa-Kawrakandi route was suspended for six hours, leaving some 150 vehicles stranded in the middle of the Padma, while the ferry service between Paturia and Daulatdia was suspended for around 11 hours. 7. The weather has made it really tough for the homeless. In Dhaka they were seen searching for warm clothes and a warm place to kip for the night. Many city dwellers stayed indoors for most part of the weekend. 8. Price of warm clothes in different city markets and roadside shops has shot up. 9. The Met office said a mild to moderate cold wave was sweeping over the country and that would continue today with the likelihood of easing off tomorrow. The lowest temperature was recorded in Jessore, 6. 0 degree Celsius, and the highest was in Coxs Bazar, 26. 7 degree Celsius. Dhakas lowest temperature was 12. 0 degree Celsius while the highest 19. 3 degree Celsius, said an official of the Met office. 10. Many district administrations have arranged warm clothes and accommodation for the poor, while many districts sought financial help from the higher authorities. 11. The Lalmonirhat correspondent reports: The cold weather claimed two elderly men in the district, one died yesterday and the other on Friday. The deceased were Rahim Uddin, 75, and Saber Ali, 82. A total of 107 people with cold-related diseases have been admitted to different government hospitals in the district. The Rangpur correspondent reports: Two elderly people died of cold-related diseases at Pirgachha upazila in the district, one yesterday and the other on the day before. The deceased were Tofa Bewa, 82, and Abdul Aziz, 57. At least 126 children and old people are under treatment in different hospitals with cold-related diseases. Four others died across the country on Friday. The Jessore correspondent reports: An elderly person died in the cold yesterday. The identity could not be known. Kurigram correspondent reports: A total of 135 children and the elderly are in hospitals in the district with cold-related diseases. Chittagong correspondent reports: Three international flights from Hong Kong, Bangkok and Singapore, scheduled to land in Dhaka, were diverted to Chittagong around 1:00am yesterday. Manikganj correspondent reports: Due to suspension of ferry services on Paturia-Daulatdia route, around 900 vehicles got stranded on both sides of the Padma. Barisal correspondent reports: Ferry services on some routes inside the district were suspended for hours and around 50 vessels had to anchor in mid river in thick fog. 5. Conclusion and Recommendation: So far, the cold wave claimed 39 lives with most victims being children and the elderly. Hospitals in the affected districts have reported higher numbers of admissions with cold weather related illnesses. The weather has also caused crop and other natural resource loss, which will have a longer-term negative impact on the economic situation for the already poor communities in the worst affected areas. Unable to buy warm clothes, poor people are struggling to ward off cold bite at night. There are widespread reports of people wrapping themselves with gunny and plastic bags, torn kantha, mosquito nets etc. In addition, the death toll for farm animals, which represents a large portion of income in the affected region, is on the increase. Administrative Measures As the cold wave continues to severely affect the poor and homeless people, political parties, social welfare organizations and affluent individuals have initiated distribution of warm clothes in Dhaka city and other parts of the country to mitigate their sufferings. However, there is a broad feeling that the current level of assistance is inadequate given the need. Following recent discussions between the Director General (DG), Directorate of Relief and Rehabilitation (DRR) and the UNDP Assistant Country Director (Disaster Management), it appears that the Government has already placed an order with a local vender for procurement of 98,770 pieces of blanket worth BDT 29,433,460 (USD 426,881) at the rate of BDT 298 (USD 4. 32) per piece. The Government is not expecting delivery of their order (98,770 pieces) until late January 2010 due to procure process delays. Overall Situation The DG, DRR indicated that there is an unmet requirement for an additional 170,000 pieces of blankets in different districts (detailed below), for which he has sought UNDPs assistance and support. UNDP Assistant Country Director informed the DG, DRR that UNDP could consider supplementing GoB initiatives subject to a formal request from Government. Accordingly, a formal request has been received from the Ministry of Food and Disaster Management (MoFDM) seeking supply of 100,000 pieces of blankets for distribution to the cold wave affected districts. Taking into account the price at which the government is procuring the blankets, the cost involvement for procurement of 100,000 pieces of blanket comes to BDT 29,800,000 (USD 438,235). UNDP Response UNDP Senior Management is considering providing support to the Government through the immediate procurement of approximately 25,000 blankets (USD 100,000) across the 10 most affected districts Nilphamari, Dinajpur, Rangpur, Panchaghar, Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, Gaibandha, Noagoan, Jessore and Pabna.