With respect to maximum sustained wind speed at its centre to the tune of more than 200 kilometres, Mocha was considered as one of the severe most tropical cyclones that have ever swept over Bangladesh. It was apprehended that Mocha would assume as devastating proportion or more as Sidr or Aila. The offshore islands and low lying areas along the coastal belt were supposed to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall and swept by 10 to 12 feet tidal surge. Due to the likely heavy precipitation, landslide in the hilly regions was also feared.

Extensive preparations were made to save life and properties. Thousands of people rushed to cyclone centres. Forces including the army, police and Ansars as well as civilian volunteers were deployed to tackle any aftermath. The cyclone made the landfall and crossed the Cox’s Bazar-North Myanmar coasts at around three in the evening. However, as the cyclone started weakening well before landfall, no damages were reported till the drafting of this editorial.

Though the government has been implementing various mitigation and adaptation programmes, it is not possible on the part of a single country to fend off climate change impacts. International communities, especially the developed countries that are mainly responsible for global warming, must organise compensation and mitigation funds to help affected countries overcome the disastrous impacts of climate change. But regrettably their actions are not proportionate to their words and promises. A bleak future awaits the affected countries.