Update

The author, Dr. A.K.M. Abdul Ahad Biswas, from the Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU) in Bangladesh, underlines the need for a new degree-offering academic and research institute for disaster management as a long term risk reduction strategy....

"We can determine whether an earthquake could trigger tsunami within five minutes, so local authority would still have enough time to take preventive measures," said Sri Woro Budiati, of the Meteorology and Geophysics Agency....

'Many buildings erected today will still be in use in 40 to 60 years, so it's important to consider the likely effect of climate changes expected over this period on buildings being constructed now,' said Senator Penny Wong....

More than 179 dengue-fever cases have been treated in the capital in the last six days following the recent torrential rains that flooded many parts of the city while doctors have warned of the danger of an epidemic of water-borne diseases breaking out....

'This is vital for Bangladesh as it is one of the world’s most vulnerable countries to natural disasters and climate change' said Xian Zhu, World Bank country director for Bangladesh....

'Bangladesh is an example to the world community on how a vulnerable developing country can strengthen its resilience against recurrent catastrophic events' said Ban Ki-moon during a visit on the final leg of a four-nation Asia trip....

ADB’s Ursula Schaefer-Preuss said member-countries must be committed to 'reduce the risks and adequately prepare for the natural disasters that we all know are coming'....

'The frequency and intensity of the storms have increased every year. The threat has grown faster than our capacity to respond to it' said Conor Walsh, country representative in Nicaragua for Catholic Relief Services....

Approximately 10,000 rescue workers and civil servants are participating this week in a five day flood simulation exercise throughout the Netherlands in preparation for a potential hazard scenario....

We underestimate the risk and ignore the fact that the planet is threatened with 'sudden, unpredictable, and irreversible disaster,' says Steve Chu, one of the world's leading climate and energy experts....