The losses in disasters like cyclone and flood can be reduced to a great extent through effective steps to meet the emergency situation after such occurrence

State Minister for Disaster Management Harun-Al Ra shld. stated thia while laun chlng a handbook yesterday on "First Aid in Disaster Emergencies'. compiled under joint effort of British Aid Programme and Bangla desh Disaster Preparedness Centre (BDPC).

The function held at the National Museum was also addressed by the British High Commissioner Peter J Fowler. Secretary, Ministry of Disaster management. Islam-uddin Malik and the director BDPC Saidur Rahman.

"We can not evade disasters, but we can reduce the loss of lives through disaster management system." the minister said at the launching ceremony, held on the occasion of the International Day for National Disaster Reduction, to be observed tomorrow

Peter J Fowler, the British High Commissioner in Bangladesh praised the book and said it would be useful.

British Aid Programme funded the preparation, publication and distribution of the manual.

About the compilation of the book the director of BDPC. Md. Saidur Rahman said that they collected the available first aid material from Bangladesh and abroad and Invited 60 persons who had gone through a disaster for exchange of ideas.

The illustrated handbook, according to the director, was written by a panel of physicians and NGO activists.