Bangladesh on the SMS route

Cyclones create havoc every year in Bangladesh. In 1970, the death toll was of the order of half a million; in 1991, it was around 138,000 and in 2007, it was 3,500. The gradual reduction was due to setting up of shelters in cyclone prone areas. To improve the situation further, an information system is being set up. It will be SMS oriented to inform people about possible cyclonic situations. That would help them to prepare to tackle the menace of floods and provide some advance preparation time. The messages would also advise on nearest shelters where they could go to. The scheme is expected to be a success because, even though Bangladesh is considered to be a poor country, its telecommunication reach is far superior to many other countries. Out of a population of 144 million, nearly 44 million own cellphones.