Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh APR... · 2015-03-30 · Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh ... faculty of PSTU Furthermore, a course titled “Disaster

Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief

Annual Progress Report (January – December 2014)

COMPREHENSIVE DISASTER MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME (2010-2015)

CDMP Annual Progress Report - 2014 Page – i

PROJECT SUMMARY

Country Bangladesh

Title of the Programme/project

Comprehensive Disaster Management Programme

Phase 2010-2014 (CDMP II)

Project ID 00073416

Implementing Agency Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief

Co-Implementing Partners

13 Departments of 12 Ministries

Universities and Training Institutes

Disaster Management Committees

Sub-Implementing Agencies

National Project Director Mr. Mohammad Abdul Qayyum, Additional

Secretary, Government of Bangladesh

Project Period January 2010 - December 2015

Reporting Period January - December 2015

Reporting Agency Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief

Programme/Project Goal To further reduce Bangladesh's vulnerability to

adverse natural and anthropogenic hazards and

extreme events, including the devastating potential

impacts of climate change.

Programme/Project Purpose To institutionalize the adoption of risk reduction

approaches, not just in its host Ministry of Food

and Disaster Management, but more broadly across

key ministries and agencies.

Geographical Coverage Direct intervention: 40 Districts

Indirect intervention: Nationwide

Project Budget USD 75,197,126

Funded By GoB, UNDP, UKAid, EU, Norway, Sida, Australina

AID

Contact Person Peter Medway, Project Manager

CDMP Annual Progress Report - 2014 Page – ii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PROJECT SUMMARY ....................................................................................................................................... i

TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................................................................................... ii

LIST OF ACRONYMS .....................................................................................................................................iv

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................................................................................................. 1

1. PROGRESS ON OUTCOME AREAS .................................................................................................... 3

1.1. Professionalizing DM System in Bangladesh ............................................................ 3

1.1.1. Progress during 2014 ............................................................................................ 3 1.1.2. Major Activity Progress and Results since 2010 ............................................. 4

1.2. Rural Risk Reduction ...................................................................................................... 6

1.2.1 Progress during 2014 ............................................................................................ 6 1.2.2 Major Activity Progress and Results since 2010 ............................................. 6

1.3. Urban Risk Reduction ..................................................................................................... 9

1.3.1 Progress in 2014 ..................................................................................................... 9 1.3.2 Major Activity Progress and Results since 2010 ............................................. 9

1.4 Preparedness & Response ............................................................................................. 12

1.4.1 Progress in 2014 ................................................................................................... 12 1.4.2 Major Activity Progress and Results since 2010 ........................................... 12

1.5. Mainstreaming DRR & CCA into Sectoral Policies and Planning ...................... 16

1.5.1 Progress in 2014 ................................................................................................... 16 1.5.1 Major Activity Progress and Results since 2010 ........................................... 17

1.6 Community Level Climate Change Adaptation ...................................................... 23

1.6.1 Progress and Results in 2014 ............................................................................ 23 1.6.2 Major Activity Progress and Results since 2010 ........................................... 24

2. MONITORING AND EVALUATION ..................................................................................................... 25

2.1 Performance indicators and progress tracking: ....................................................... 25

2.2 Assessment of the recent flood: ................................................................................... 25

2.3 Interim programme evaluation ................................................................................... 28

2.4 LDRRF Independent Monitoring ................................................................................ 29

2.5 Value for Money Estimates ........................................................................................... 30

3. COMMUNICATION AND VISIBILITY ................................................................................................. 32

4. CHALLENGES, LESSON LEARNED AND PROMISING INITIATIVES ....................................... 33

National Ownership ..................................................................................................... 33 Management ................................................................................................................... 33 Achieving a comprehensive approach ..................................................................... 34 Professionalizing Disaster Management .................................................................. 34

CDMP Annual Progress Report - 2014 Page – iii

Local Level Risk Reduction ......................................................................................... 34 Reducing Urban Risks .................................................................................................. 35 Improving Response Capacity ................................................................................... 35 Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Management ............................................................ 35 Adaptation to Climate Change .................................................................................. 36 Fiduciary Risk Management ....................................................................................... 36 Promising initiatives for further development: ...................................................... 36

5. FINANCIAL PROGRESS ........................................................................................................................... 38

Annex - A: Capacity Building Initiatives (Training programme) 2014 ..................... 41

Annex - B: Knowledge Products Developed 2014 ......................................................... 46

Annex - C: List of DM Rules and Current Status ........................................................... 50

Annex - D: LDRRF Interventions 2014 ............................................................................. 52

Annex - E: List of DM Plan Districts and Upazilas ........................................................ 63

Annex - F: CCA Interventions 2014 .................................................................................. 64

Annex -G: Risk Atlas Upazila list ...................................................................................... 65

Annex - H: Human Resources Deployment 2014 .......................................................... 66

Annex -I: Procurement 2014 ............................................................................................... 67

Annex - J: CDMP II Progress upto December 2014 (Based on Results and Resource Framework) ............................................................................................................................ 68

CDMP Annual Progress Report - 2014 Page – iv

LIST OF ACRONYMS

AFD Armed Forces Division

ATI Agriculture Training Institute

ACAD Advanced Course on Administration and Development

ADPC Asian Disaster Preparedness Canter

BCR Benefit Cost Ratio

BFRI Bangladesh fisheries Research Institute

BWDB Bangladesh Water Development Board

BRRI Bangladesh Rice Research Institute

BCCRF Bangladesh Climate Change Resilience Fund

BPATC Bangladesh Public Administration Training Centre

CDMP Comprehensive Disaster Management Programme

CC Climate Change

CUET Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology

CPP Cyclone Preparedness Programme

CRA Community Risk Assessment

DAE Department of Agricultural Extension

DALY Disability-Adjusted Life Year

DDM Department of Disaster Management

DFID Department for International Development

DGHS Directorate General of Health Services

DDMC District Disaster Management Committee

DPP Development Project Proforma

DMC Disaster Management Committee

DMIC Disaster Management Information Centre

DMIN Disaster Management Information Network

DMRD Disaster Management and Relief Division

DWA Department of Women Affairs

DRR Disaster Risk Reduction

DRRO District Relief and Rehabilitation Officer

DRH Disaster Resilience Habitat

FYP Five Year Plan

GNI Gross National Income

GSMA Groupe Speciale Mobile Association

HFA Hygo Framework for Action

HIES Household Income and Expenditure Survey

LDRRF Local Disaster Risk Reduction Fund

MOEF Ministry of Environment and Forest

MORA Ministry of Religious Affairs

MOE Ministry of Education

MOPME Ministry of Primary and Mass Education

MoDMR Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief

MoU Memorandum of Understanding

http://www.investopedia.com/terms/g/gross-national-income-gni.asp

CDMP Annual Progress Report - 2014 Page – v

NCTB National Curriculum &Textbook Board

NILG National Institute for Local Government

NIPSOM National Institute for Preventive and Social Medicine

NPDM National Plan for Disaster Management

NPD National Programme Director

PIB Press Institute of Bangladesh

PIP Project Implementation Plan

SOD Standing Orders on Disaster

TOT Training of Trainers

ToR Terms of Reference

UN-SPIDER United Nations Platform for Space-based Information for Disaster

Management and Emergency Response

UNISDR United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction

UDMC Union Disaster Management Committee

UzDMC Upazila Disaster Management Committee

CDMP Annual Progress Report - 2014 Page – 1

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

2014 has been a year of further consolidation of the disaster management framework in

Bangladesh. No major disasters struck in 2014, although limited monsoon flooding in the

major river basins in July and August provided an opportunity to assess the effectiveness of

Local Disaster Risk Reduction Fund (LDRRF)-financed infrastructures, which generally

served their purpose well. Thousands of people sheltered on raised land throughout

sometimes extended periods of inundation.

Among the notable achievements in 2014 we can highlight:

Professionalization:

The groundwork for the MoDMR Research and Training Institute has been laid.

Over 50 Union Disaster Management Committees have been trained using the

UDMC Operations Manual.

Regulations to implement the Disaster Management Act 2012 have been approved by

MoDMR and sent to the Ministry of Law for approval.

Rural and Urban risk reduction:

In the course of 2014, 185 rural schemes have been started in 36 unions of 20 upazilas,

benefitting 204,759 people; while 8 urban schemes have been initiated in 5

municipalities benefiting 78,500 people.

The Urban Development Directorate (UDD) was awarded the prestigious 2014 Asia

Pacific Townscape Award by UN Habitat for the Mymensingh Strategic

Development Plan, the first participatory urban development plan in Bangladesh.

Disaster Preparedness:

Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD), with support from CDMP, has trained and

equipped 3,208 urban volunteers in 2014 (26,500 since 2011) and provided rescue

equipment for establishing 10 model fire stations in Dhaka and Chittagong.

The Cyclone Preparedness Program in six Upazilas of the South East of Bangladesh

has been strengthened by recruiting, training, and providing light equipment to the

volunteers.

Mainstreaming:

A draft DRR/CCA (Climate Change Adaptation) screening tool has been developed

to revise Union development planning of the Local Government Division. Once in

practice, all 4,550 unions will develop and implement DRR-CCA sensitive local

development plans ensuring that line ministry development budgets are risk

sensitive.

The DDM established the Online Disaster Library on DRR-CCA to disseminate

CDMP learning products to a wider audience; so far 350 knowledge products have

been uploaded. About 600,000 searches and around 27000 downloads have been


performed.

Climate Change Adaptation:

A study on climate and disaster related displacement has been published.

Three adaptation guidelines for flood / flash flood, cyclone / salinity and drought

hazards were published.

After extensive consultation with the Government of Bangladesh and development partners

CDMP agreed a one year no cost extension to secure the legacy of the program through

enhancement of MoMDR ownership of key project results. The extension period is focusing

on five strategic themes and a reduction of the work plan overall. The strategic themes are:

1. Institutionalization

2. Mainstreaming

3. Local level action

4. Preparedness and early warning

5. Information management

Acknowledgements

CDMP wishes to express its thanks to the Government of Bangladesh, Ministry of Disaster

Management and Relief, the Department of Disaster Management, and the development

partners: the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA), the Australian

Department for Foreign Affairs and Trade, European Union, UK Department for

International Development (DFID) and The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their

continued cooperation and support.


1. PROGRESS ON OUTCOME AREAS

1.1. Professionalizing DM System in Bangladesh

1.1.1. Progress during 2014

2014 saw several important legal instruments for disaster management being finalized and

nearing implementation, including:

The English version of the Disaster Management Act 2012 - prepared and being

finalized, incorporating feedback from MoDMR.

The Bangla version of the Standing Orders on Disaster (SD -also finalized and ready

for publication.

Five out of nine planned disaster

management rules (These include the rules

for National level Disaster Management

Committees, Local level Disaster

Management Committees, National

Disaster Response Coordination Group,

Local Disaster Response Coordination

Group, and Awards/Incentives -

allowances for DM performance)

Additionally, drafts for the following documents have been developed:

A draft of the rules for the National Disaster Volunteer Organization

Drafts of the organogram, recruitment rules and schedule of staffing of the DM

Research and Training Institute.

Draft Local Disaster Risk Reduction & Emergency Fund Management has been

developed (see Annex - C for detailed status of rules and guidelines). Training

provided to more than 150 planning officials on revised DPP format. A first draft

of the Disaster Information Management Guideline, currently being reviewed by

CDMP.

A draft of the National Communication Strategy on DRM, currently being fine-

tuned by the PIB in consultation with MoDMR & DDM.

A draft for a training module of capacity development programme for MoDMR

officials.

Furthermore, CDMP has facilitated the training of 469 local level journalists in 13 districts on

the topic of DRR and CCA.

CDMP also contributed in the preparation of the initial draft of post-2015 for disaster risk

reduction framework (HFA2) as well as development of the HFA monitoring report (2013-

2015) which is ready for publication. Furthermore, CDMP facilitated the coordination of

Bangladesh’s participation in 6th Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction

Regional Consultation Workshop on by-laws for Disaster Management Act 2012


including organizing side events, a technical session and the market place.

As a part of the implementation of the National DM Training and Education Strategies,

partial research grants support has been provided to 20 undergraduate students in the DM

faculty of PSTU Furthermore, a course titled “Disaster and Risk Governance”, has been

incorporated in the Public Administration Department under the University of Dhaka.

The online DM Library has been launched and is now accessible for all

(www.dmic.org.bd/e-library) with more than 350 knowledge materials. District resource

centres has been established in 24 non-CDMP districts, and supplied with furniture and

knowledge materials. Since June 2014, more than 600,000 searches have been performed in

the library. The library has been promoted locally as well as globally through UN-SPIDER,

Relief-Web, and DeSHARY network.

1.1.2. Major Activity Progress and Results since 2010

Policy and Legislative Framework to Guide Disaster Management Reforms and

Programmes: The DM Act 2012 prepared and updated the SOD 2010 with support from

CDMP. In addition to the above regulations, the guideline for the Standing Order on

Disasters - including Cyclone Shelter Construction and Maintenance Guideline 2011 – has

been published. To make the development projects from 10 key ministries DRR-CCA-

sensitive, the DPP format was revised.

Strengthened Collaborative Partnerships, Information Management and Liaison

Capability: Since 2010, CDMP has been providing support to the ministry and DDM to

establish the HFA monitoring system. Additionally, two HFA reports for 2009-11 and 2011-

13 have been published. This has improved the internal capacity of the ministry and the

department and built a basis on which to assume leadership in the coming years.

Decentralized Capacity Building and

Professional Development Structures

Established and Providing Quality Support:

To implement the National DM Training and

Education Strategies, CDMP has provided

260 research grants and sponsored 160 post

graduate studies on disaster risk

management. Several universities have

introduced undergraduate programme on

disaster management with support from

CDMP. Additionally, 31 training and

research institutes have a formed a network

to share and regularly update the curricula and teaching materials on the subject. In 30 of

these institutions, reference corners and GIS labs have been established, with 450 titles and

1500 reference/text books. Furthermore, the Bangladesh Public Administration Training

Centre has adopted DM issues into their course curricula, both incorporated into ACAD

Inauguration of Institute of Disaster Management and Vulnerability Studies in Dhaka University


course and in new, separate courses. This will result in trained senior and mid-level civil

service officials on DM issues in the government.

‘Knowledge Services Centre’ established and providing efficient quality knowledge

management service to disaster management: With CDMP assistance, the Solution

Exchange on DRR & CCA has been established to share new practices and innovations

among professionals and academia. So far, the facility has more than 500 participants

regularly sharing their experiences on contemporary development challenges. To

complement the effort, CDMP has also updated the disaster dictionary to educate

professionals on DM terminologies. By now, CDMP has produced more than three hundred

knowledge materials, all of which are hosted in the interactive online library mentioned

above. In addition, CDMP - through the Press Institute of Bangladesh - has:

updated educational curricula for mass media department in Rajshahi university

incorporating DRR-CCA issues

produced 10 hazard specific reference manuals,

produced 4 urban docudramas,

produced DRR-CCA contents for 14 community radio stations.

Additionally, 1200 radio sets have been distributed, and more than 200 journalists from 13

hazard-prone districts trained.


1.2. Rural Risk Reduction

1.2.1 Progress during 2014

In the course of 2014, 185 new rural risk

reduction schemes were started in 36 unions of

20 Upazilas from 16 Districts worth BDT

309,224,563 which should benefit 204,759 people.

In addition, 320 schemes were completed in 2014

from 88 unions under 56 Upazilas in 32 Districts.

Scheme implementation in 2014 has created 9

million work days, the equivalent of 13,000

fulltime jobs for women and 23,000 for men.

CDMP has also, in partnership with National

Instituted for Local Government (NILG), implemented a broad based training programme

for 195 DMCs (180 Union DMCs and 15 District DMCs) across the country. In 2014, ToT in 6

districts was completed and these trainers will train at UDMC level. To help the training and

learning process, 4,500 copies of the DMC Operational Manual have been distributed to

DMCs and training participants in 2014, bringing the total of distributed copies up to 22,500.

Moreover, a “Union Development Planning (UDP) incorporating Disaster Management”

guideline has been prepared. Progress has been made to institutionalize the Disaster

Management Guideline at the local level planning though Local Government Division.

1.2.2 Major Activity Progress and Results since 2010

Strengthening DMC capacity and institutionalization

UDMCs are the fundamental community level institution for delivering disaster

management on the ground. A recent study1 identified lack of capacity of UDMCs in risk

reduction planning, coordination, governance and gender inclusion, among others.

Respective disaster management guidelines, policies and plans adopted the Community

Risk Assessment as a tool to develop local level disaster management plan and to undertake

projects/interventions2. National and international organizations such as Islamic Relief,

Action-Aid, Oxfam, Save the Children, Plan, and CARITAS have also adopted the CRA

guideline to develop their community based disaster management programs. CDMP has

updated the earlier CRA guideline, and printed it in both Bengali (500 copies) and English

(200 copies) for wider dissemination.

1 CDMP (2010). Union Disaster Management Committee Functionalist Assessment, Unpublished Study Report; available at: www.cdmp.org.bd

2 Disaster Management Act (Section 20), National Plan for Disaster Management 2010-15, draft rules for Local DMCs and DM fund

Engagement of Women in Rural Risk Reduction interventions implementation


Facilitating community level risk reduction

through LDRRF mechanism: In the course of the

project, about 3 million people, including 1.3 million

women, have benefitted3 from the implementation

of CDMP’s 1,865 local disaster risk reduction

schemes Local level action plans developed using

the CRA guidelines are being implemented through

the Local Disaster Risk Reduction Fund mechanism.

Since 2010, 1,865 rural schemes, comprising of 99,226

specific interventions, have been undertaken in 321

Unions from 108 Upazilas and 40 Districts, The total

value of the 1,007 completed projects in rural areas is USD 8,649,361, and the total allocation

is USD 23.42 million. Implementation of LDRRF schemes is estimated to have created totally

14.6 million work days for around 185,000 male and 30,000 female casual workers.

DRR Strategy for Microfinance Sector: A strategy for incorporating DRR and CCA in the

Microfinance Sector was developed in partnership with Bangladesh Bank in 2013.

Rapid assessment of CDMP’s LDRRF interventions in flood affected districts:

A Joint Needs Assessment conducted at the end of August 2014 showed that flooding in the

second half of the month had affected nearly 2 million people in nine districts on North

Western Bangladesh. As the CDMP has LDRRF schemes in the affected districts, the CDMP

conducted field visits to observe and learn about the effectiveness, efficiency and

sustainability of these schemes following the floods. The field visits have resulted in the

following:

a. Construction of rural roads and embankments should not obstruct any flowing

natural drainage system (including seasonal/dead canals).

b. Height of the earth works should be determined based on the Flood Danger Level

and High Flood Level for the locality.

c. Protection for soil erosion from earthworks must be considered during designing

and budgeting, especially for sandy soils in the newly accredited islands

d. Schemes should be complete, incorporating all potential beneficiaries in the

immediate locality, and comprehensive through inclusion of soft (e.g. livelihood

support, disaster risk awareness) inputs. Engagement of the community for

earthwork and construction of facilities will create greater ownership and short term

employment.

e. The plan and budget needs to be shared with the intended beneficiaries to enhance

accountability. A community planning meeting should be organized prior to

physical implementation alongside a functional accountability system for enabling

feedback. Maintenance commitments should be enshrined as a pre-condition for

implementation.

f. Private lands should never be considered for any interventions.

3 Safeguarding life and livelihoods, household assets, maintaining communal assets, etc.

Community Risk Assessment (CRA) for development of Risk Reduction Action Plan


g. District wise fixed rate for earth works does not help much and standardizing rates

as per the vulnerable zones (char, floodplains, coastal, etc.) instead should perform

better.

h. A wider study on the policy and program options for future local level risk reduction

schemes should be undertaken immediately, including cost benefit analysis. LDRRF

interventions have been implemented by CDMP II for more than three years so it is

an appropriate moment to consider the options, based on experience and lessons

learned, for the most appropriate route to reduction of vulnerability at scale.

The government has given us house and land - maintaining it properly is our responsibility!

Rafeza Bibi, a resident of the Bainpara village of Suterkhali (Dacope, Khulna) had a solvent family with good income. They had a grocery shop, a small plot of farm land, a few cattle, fishing in the river and a kitchen garden. Cyclone Aila ruined their life and washed away everything they had. Even though the entire family survived, life became unbearable due to lost sources of livelihood. They had to live in a small makeshift shanty on the embankment and maintain the family with an income of Tk. 150 per day from her husband’s work as a day labourer. There were not any facilities for sanitation and fresh water. During winter and rainy days, the family suffered desperately.

Rafeza is now much happier in the Disaster and Climate Resilient Village, established by CDMP. She is an active member of Project Implementation Committee of the model village. She says: “I dream of a new life”. 58 families, including Rafeza’s, worked together to build their own houses. The village is built on raised land with all the necessary facilities such as sanitary latrine, solar lights, improved stoves, pure drinking water, school, play ground, mosque, cyclone shelter, pond and graveyard. The village also has three ponds for fish culture.

In order to secure their livelihoods, the villagers were also trained in different income generating activities. Rafeza received training on farming. “Earlier I didn’t have enough knowledge on systematic cultivation. Now I have learnt how to make and use compost manure, proper land use,, how to grow vegetables in pots, and how to plant trees in appropriate location based on their size and type”. Now the villagers can cultivate vegetables on their own land , meet family needs and earn some extra money by selling them.

Rafeza and her fellow villagers have formed an association for managing the village and its surroundings. Each household deposits 10 taka every week. These savings can also be helpful for them in future as a source of re-financing from within. The association members advise the villagers on keeping their environment clean and healthy. In Rafeza Bibi’s words “The overnment has given us house and land - maintaining it properly is our responsibility.”


1.3. Urban Risk Reduction

1.3.1 Progress in 2014

In 2014, 8 new schemes were undertaken

in 5 municipalities. Of these, the resilient

habitat project in Gopalgonj is a

particularly notable one where about 100

households have already taken

residence. In addition, 3 schemes

initiated earlier have been completed

this year.

Retrofitting assessments were made for

three major buildings: Dhaka Medical College Hospital, and Bangladesh Secretariat building

no. 1 and 4. These assessments included subsoil investigation and as-built-

structure/architectural drawing. To steer the process and develop internal capacity, 30

Public Works Department professionals were trained on retrofitting assessment and

provided the necessary equipment and software. In addition, final reports for 50 ward level

contingency plans, and seismic assessment and micro zonation maps prepared for 6 cities.

CDMP is supporting FSCD in building the capacity to respond to any large scale urban

disaster such as fire or earthquake. In 2014, FSCD has initiated the implementation of 10

model fire stations in three major cities at risk for earthquakes – Dhaka, Chittagong and

Sylhet. CDMP has procured small and light rescue equipment and provided to FSCD for the

model stations, and the tender process is underway for the construction work. These model

fire stations will serve around 1.1 million people within their precincts. In addition to the

support to the model fire stations, CDMP has collaborated with FSCD to recruit, train and

equip 3208 new volunteers.

As a part of the implementation of the Safer City Campaign, CDMP facilitated orientation

session for municipalities on the Local Government–Self Assessment Toolkit (LG–SAT), with

the purpose of building capacity of city corporation authorities on urban hazards and

emergency management. Representatives of 134 city corporations and municipalities (City

Mayors and other officials) have received orientations in 2014, bringing the project total up

to 234. It is expected that with training, mayors will be able to more effectively design and

implement DRR interventions in their respective municipalities.

Awareness is the most important aspect of disaster risk reduction, and in the context of

Bangladesh, religious leaders play a vital role in communicating to the population. CDMP,

in association with the Ministry of Religions Affairs, has developed a training module and

provided ToT to 50 Imams.


CDMP has developed Active fault maps and seismic vulnerability maps for 6 cities: Bogra,

Dinajpur, Mymensingh, Rajshahi, Rangpur, and Tangail. The risk assessments and maps

Urban Risk reduction scheme to reduce waterlogging problem


were subsequently used to develop Scenario based spatial contingency plans at city and

ward levels (ward level contingency plan in Dhaka-25, Sylhet-10, and Chittagong-15). These

plans and maps cover an area of 8 million inhabitants, who will benefit from enhanced

earthquake preparedness and quick response capacity. As a pilot initiative, the maps and

plans of Mymensingh City has translated into a realistic and risk integrated city

development plan which is awarded the Asian Townscape Award 2014 (Japan) by the UN

Habitat. In addition, a building database for 50 wards in Dhaka, Chittagong and Sylhet

district can be used to indicate the physical and locational vulnerability of the structures.

The methodology may be replicated to other high risk cities as a model case.

Asian Townscapes Jury’s Award for Mymensingh Strategic Development Plan

CDMP-supported Mymensingh Strategic Development Plan (MSDP) was selected for the 2014 Asian

Townscapes Jury Award. CentreThe Award aims to highlight and honor significant efforts made by Asian

cities and organizations for the improvement, revitalization and creation of a beautiful and harmonious

townscapes that are safe, sustainable and respectful of local history and culture. The Theme of 2014 Asian

Townscape Award was “Townscapes bridging to the future”.

Development of the MSDP took place as part of

the CDMP project “Mainstreaming disaster risk

reduction in urban planning practices”. The

project, undertaken in agreement with the

Government of Bangladesh’s physical planning

agency the Urban Development Directorate,

began in April 2011.

Paradigm shift in disaster management from its

conventional response and relief management

approach to a more comprehensive risk

reduction culture adopted by the Government

of Bangladesh along with its development partners is in progress. Throughout the project, CDMP has

channeled its support through government and development partners, civil society and NGOs into a

people-oriented disaster management and risk reduction partnership.

While Bangladesh has shown the world how disaster preparation can reduce the number of deaths during

flood and cyclones, earthquake risk remains a major threat to human life and safe livelihoods in its cities.

.The Mymensingh Strategic Development Plan integrates risk-sensitive land use planning with

consideration for the local ecosystem and environment, physical and social infrastructure, economy, and

transportation system. Planning guidelines prepared as part of the MSDP call for land use and building

permissions to ensure risk sensitive building development, as well as a strengthening of the emergency

response capacity through flood mapping and volunteer mobilization. Developed in dialogue with the

local community, the plan takes into account local traditions while also looking towards the future. The 20-

year prediction model for the municipality’s transportation system aims to support regional connectivity,

the promotion on sustainable livelihoods, and a secure economic base for the town.

The MSDP serves as a pilot project for a model of risk-sensitive land use planning, with the potential for

replication in other cities and towns of Bangladesh. It has laid down the legal basis through drafting

“Urban and Regional Planning Act 2013”. This pilot project is going to prepare a module for

mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction Measures into Comprehensive Land Use Development Planning

and Management. This may act as a manual on how to make Bangladesh’s towns safer, healthier, more eco-

sensitive, social, vibrant and resilient to natural and man‐made disasters.


CDMP-II through FSCD is supporting development of 30,000 urban community volunteers

(the national target is to train 62,000). So far 26,500 volunteers have been trained in six city

corporations: Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet, Rangpur, Khulna, and Cox’s Bazar. These trained

volunteers have successfully demonstrated their skill in different urban incidents, most

notably during the Rana Plaza incident during 2013. CDMP has also trained 1940

construction professionals (1000 masons, 760 bar benders and 180 contractors) in earthquake

resistant construction techniques.

Assessing the local level risk is a pre-requisite

in implementing any risk reduction

interventions. CDMP, in its urban risk

reduction initiative, developed the Urban

Community Risk Assessment (CRA)

guideline. This guideline will be a useful tool

for the stakeholders in assessing the risk and

development of Risk Reduction Action Plan

(RRAP) in urban context. 3 CRA has been

conducted in three wards of Dhaka South

City Corporation (33, 34 & 35) on a pilot basis.

In addition to various non-structural interventions (such as training, plans, guideline etc.) to

reduce the urban risk, CDMP is also implementing structural interventions targeted to

reduce urban hazard such as water logging, drinking water scarcity, reducing earthquake

and fire risk etc. So far 42 urban risk reduction schemes have been implemented in 10 city

corporations/ municipalities, benefiting around 0.27 million people.

CDMP Trained 1940 construction prfessionals on safe construction


1.4 Preparedness & Response


As advised in both the revised Standing Orders on Disaster 2010 and the National Plan for

Disaster Management 2010-15, local government and line departments are to develop their

own DM plans. With CDMP support, DM plans for 10 districts and 48 Upazilas (see

Appendix E for list) – covering a population of 26 million people - were developed and

made available online in the National Information Portal in 2014

CDMP has also undertaken a pilot initiative to engage the Bangladesh Ansar & VDP (15 600

members) in disseminating warning messages to vulnerable communities when needed.

Furthermore, the CDMP has also contributed significantly to strengthen the early warning

dissemination mechanism from its inception. With assistance of Bangladesh Bureau of

Statistics (BBS), a baseline survey for damage, loss and needs assessment of 4,500 unions has

been completed in 2014. The baseline data is now being used by Department of Disaster

Management (DDM) for their Emergency Cyclone Recovery and Restoration Project (ECRP).

Additionally, CDMP has also extended support to the UN Humanitarian Coordination Task

Team (HCTT) in conducting a Joint Needs Assessment (JNA).

Additionally, CDMP has supported the recruitment and training of 2670 new volunteers in

basic search and rescue and first aid, as well as volunteers’ gear to the volunteers of six

existing Upazilas (Hatiya, Sandwip, Ramgoti, Banskhali, Tecknaf and Moheskhali)

Moreover, 897 signal mast installations have been completed in five upazilas (Assasuni &

Shyamnagar-Satkhira, Dacope & Koyra-Khulna, Mongla-Bagerhat) and 21 VHF & 6 HF

radio sets have been distributed to CPP personnel in 2014.


Improved and more Efficient Early Warning, Response and Relief Management

In collaboration with the Armed Forced Division, CDMP has established Audio Visual

system to connect the DM Cell in Prime Minister’s Office, the NDRCC and CDMP. This

included providing the necessary equipment to the PM’s officeto enhance capacity of the

DM cell to respond to the emergencies in a more coordinated fashion. Moreover, DDM has

been gradually taking over the operational responsibility of Disaster Management

Information Centre (DMIC). Accordingly, DDM have amended their operational chart to

assign an official to work closely with the DMIC to improve its capacity to support better

decision making and coordination. With CDMP assistance, by now all of the 485 Upazilas

are connected with DMIC. A Poly-com Audio Conference system has been installed in the

Deputy Commissioner’s conference room in the 26 most hazard prone districts, to help

improve coordination throughout the full cycle of disaster management.

CDMP has also supported the Bangladesh Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre to

upgrade its forecasting system from 3 days to 5 days earlier now4 generated at 54 stations in

4 FFWC web portal: www.ffwc.gov.bd


the country.The performance assessment during the 2013 monsoon shows that the extended

lead time has demonstrated 72% accuracy for the fifth day, which exceeds the 70%

acceptance level set by the World Meteorological Organisation.

Although the forecast accuracy has been improved, communication of the outcomes to the

intended end users has remained a challenge. Honourable Minister of MoDMR has therefore

launched the CDMP-supported Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system. The IVR system is now available through all mobile service providers in Bangladesh, and enables 110 million cell-phone users to receive early warnings of approaching hydro-meteorological disasters and to be prepared well ahead of time. During cyclone Mahasen in May 2013, more than 60,000 enquires were addressed through IVR, while the total number of enquiries in 2013 exceeded

110,000 (and 80,189 in 2014, showing increasing acceptance and utility. During 2013, early

warning was also provided through 40,000 SMS to local DMC Members of 19 cyclone prone

districts, to alert them about the approaching hazard, its potential impacts, and possible

preparedness activities.

Preparedness capacity enhanced

As part of Government’s initiative to make the schools safe from disaster, CDMP has so far

Trained 960 Secondary

School teachers, from 480

schools, on how to conduct

earthquake safety drills

Provided 14,000 primary

school teachers in 7

divisions with ToT

Trained 1,200 Upazila

Education Officers and

Upazila Instructors on how

to conduct earthquake

safety drills.

Due to CDMP advocacy, in 2012 MoE and MoPME issued an office order to organize school

safety drills during International Day for Disaster Reduction and National Disaster

Preparedness day. Accordingly, 30,000 primary schools and 6,000 secondary schools

conducted earthquake safety drills during 2012. To continue the practice, CDMP - in

partnership with the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education - developed

standardised training manuals on earthquake drills and undertook a massive training

programme directed towards school teachers. The Institute of Disaster Management and

Vulnerability Studies (IDMVS) of Dhaka University is supporting Directorate of Secondary

and Higher Education (DSHE) in organizing training of school teachers and Upazila

education officials on earthquake safety.

Contingency plans for Dhaka and Chittagong airports were developed in 2013, and

followedup with six training workshops on airport emergency contingency plans. As an


additional part of improving the emergency response, 2,000 small parachutes (capacity 17

kg.) for relief distribution to hard-to-reach areas from air have been produced with support

from Bangladesh Air Force (BAF). These modified parachutes would improve the airdrop

distribution, by allowing for smaller quantities to be distributed in a larger area, instead of

bulk amounts in one place. This will reduce the risk of emergency aid being captured by

only a few recipients.

To strengthen household-level preparedness and safety, 2,000 fishermen in coastal fishing

communities have received life-jackets and solar lanterns. Furthermore, 6,000 Life Buoys

were delivered to fishing boats in Cox’s Bazar & Patukhali district in 2014. Additionally,

12,000 highly vulnerable families have been provided with family preparedness items (such

as plastic box for preserving food grain, water can, life buoys and water proof poly bag to

protect important documents. In 2014, emergency preparedness equipment was sent to

Gosairhat upazila of Shariatpur district, Borhan Uddin Upazila of Bhola district, Galachipa

and Dashmina upazilas in Patuakhali district, and Muladi upazila of Barisal district.

Disaster Volunteerism

To strengthen and make the community warning systems in the new track of recent cyclones

such as SIDR (2007), and AILA (2009) on the south-east coast effective, CDMP has supported

the expansion of the Cyclone Preparedness Programme (CPP) areas in 6 new Upazilas in

Khulna, Shatkhira and Bagerhat. This has been done through recruitment and training of

6,540 volunteers in 2013. All in all, 49,215 volunteers have been provided with training -

initial training to 6,540 newly recruited volunteers and one-day orientation to 42,675 existing

volunteers.

Considering the increased risk of rainfall induced landslide hazard in south-eastern

Bangladesh including Chittagong Hill Tracts and recent landslide events (127 death in 2007,

60 death in 2010, 17 death in 2011)5, CDMP as a pilot initiative, recruited, trained and

provided light equipments to community based landslide volunteers in Cox’s Bazar (43

volunterrs) & Teknaf (15volunteers).

5 CDMP (2012). Landslide Inventory & Land-use Mapping, DEM Preparation, Precipitation Threshold Value & Establishment of Early Warning Devices; and Reliefweb (2011). http://reliefweb.int/report/bangladesh/bangladesh-landslide-toll-rises-17


SAVING LIVES FROM LANDSLIDES

Over the last decade, hundreds of people have died in landslides in Bangladesh; last year alone over 100 people perished in what could have been preventable tragedies. Anwara, Shahidullah and 57 other CDMP landslide volunteers have taken it upon themselves to reduce that number to zero. As so often happens, their work began in their own backyard.

Anwara and Shahidullah used loudspeakers to warn local people of heavy rainfall and potential landslides and instructed their neighbours to get ready and move to the nearest shelter. “We were on the road doing our rounds till midnight on 15 May, 2013 and luckily for us no untoward incident happened”, says Ms Anwara.

Earlier that day, the Bangladesh Meteorological Office issued warning that landslides may occur due to heavy rainfall induced by the cyclonic storm Mahasen in Chittagong Division’s hilly regions. Some residents in hilly areas of Cox’s Bazar and Teknaf received further details and more frequent updates from landslide volunteers who are part of the CDMP-supported landslide early warning system.

Developed by CDMP, with support from ADPC, volunteers were provided with information about landslides and related preparedness measures. Equipped with rain gauges to read and monitor daily rainfall, they used their skills to analyse precipitation thresholds in the case of heavy rainfall induced by cyclone and monsoon. Ms. Anwara added, “We were trained to disseminate warning when necessary. During the monsoon season, we also monitor the rainfall on a regular basis.”

While the danger of landslides was averted in May, several days of incessant downpour inundated Cox’s Bazar again by the end of June. This time it rendered many people homeless and the rainwater showed shagging slope soils ready to turn into landslides anytime.

Anwara, Shahidullah and others were on their feet again, doing the door-to-door visits to their neighbourhood and surrounding areas to warn people about the on-going heavy rainfall and the probable landslides that could follow. Overnight, some 50 people from 10 of the most exposed households heeded the volunteers’ warning and evacuated to safe ground. In one of those neighbourhoods, at around 2.30 pm, a sudden mudslide decimated four houses, including that of Ms. Hasina. While Ms. Hasina is heartbroken over the loss of her home, she is eternally grateful to the landslide volunteers who warned her just an hour before the landslide - saving both her own and her husband’s lives.

Several landslide incidents took place also in other places in Cox’s Bazar. The next day a chunk of earth fell on the house of Rezaul Karim in Saikatpara village, killing his four year old son Sakib and leaving his wife Taiyaba Begum seriously injured. There were several landslides in Mohajer village, but luckily people were not in any danger as they had been warned by Anwara and Shahidullah, and had left for the designated shelters. The community-based landslide warning consistently managed to save lives.

Ms. Anwara is proud of her work, “I volunteer because it makes me feel good. I get to help my neighbours and maybe, if I’m lucky, save lives along the way”, she says. Her modesty belies the fact that with a little training and a lot of heart she and the other volunteers have managed to save lives. It is not often that any of us can say that.

Mr. Azharul Islam, Md. Shahidullah and Ms.

Anwara are nothing short of lifesavers.


1.5. Mainstreaming DRR & CCA into Sectoral Policies and Planning


To establish a legislative and planning environment supportive of proactive risk reduction,

CDMP has actively assisted the government in drafting and finalizing a legal framework for

all disaster management activities in the country. To support mainstreaming efforts, a

“Guideline for Integrating DRR and CCA into Development Planning and Budgeting

Processes of the Fisheries and Livestock Sectors” and a “Guideline for Mainstreaming DRR

and CCA in Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock Services” have been prepared. A number

of training modules have also been prepared for sectors that include agriculture, water and

fisheries.

The key points of progress in 2014 and partners in their implementation have been:

- Bangladesh Flood Forecast and Warning Centre: A pilot initiative on using the IVR

for flash flood forecast has been implemented in Sunamganj district, based on a first-

time ward level profiling along embankments. This structure-based forecasting is

enabling managers to find weak points in embankments

- Bangladesh Meteorological Department: The process of information sharing from

the observatories has been entirely digitized. As a result, weather information can be

accessed anywhere in the country, and around the world, from the BMD website.

High speed bandwidth is allowing information to be sent quickly to the media and

the ministry.

- Department of Environment and Climate Change Cell: 300 DoE staff including

government officials have received training on preparing climate resilient

development projects. Guidelines on climate proofing for different sectors are in the

process of being developed by DoE. The intention is to help build the capacity of

sectoral departments and agencies to develop climate sensitive projects in their

respective sectors.

- Department of Agricultural Extension: CCA technologies are being demonstrated

and implemented. The agricultural machinery provided is enabling the farmer

groups to accumulate savings of up to 2 to 3 lac takas and to practise within-group

loans at low interest rate. As a result of ICT support, the DAE control room has been

strengthened in 52 Upazilas of the 26 districts of DAE working areas.This has

enabled staffto provide online reports, making temperature data, rainfall data, as

well as area-based production data and fertilizer status from all over Bangladesh,

available on the DAE website.

- Department of Livestock Services: Around 600 DLS officers have received training

on bio-security measures and have in their turn raised the awareness of other DLS

officers at meetings and different forums. They have also been giving training to

farmers and dairy farmers on precaution against anthrax during cold spells.

- Department of Women Affairs: The DWA has prepared a “Gender Toolkit” for

disaster issues, to incorporate gender sensitivity in its policies, projects, programmes

and documents.



In terms of creating a supportive institutional environment leading to the inclusion of DRR

and CCA in current and planned projects of the different government departments, the

following results have been achieved:

Bangladesh Meteorological Department:

- The dynamic BMD Website (www.bmd.gov.bd) has been redesigned and upgraded

under CDMP, and now provides people with all types of weather information along

with a weather bulletin and seven days weather forecast.

- Previously, all data were collected and entered manually. Now, using the climate

database management system, data generated from the observatories are archived

automatically and can be easily accessed for any year, date and area.

- Solar energy installations at the weather observatories keep the system functioning

even if there is no sunshine for three days.

- As a result of skill development, the staff’s accuracy in analyzing information has

improved, raising the accuracy of data from the weather observatories.

Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC):

- As has been shown by the Asian Development Bank’s early warning systems

assessment, communities can save more than 70% of their movable resources/capital

goods, if they get five days advance warning on flood events. As the FFWC flood

forecast lead time has been increased from 3 to 5 days, the lives, livelihoods and

assets security of the 88 million people living in four river basin areas of Bangladesh

has therefore increased. The forecast is made available on the FFWC website.

- The FFWC website was revamped in July 2014 under CDMP to make it more

dynamic, and since then it has already received more than 80,000 hits.

There have also been some associated results from other interventions of CDMP II:

- Around three million people are benefitting from easier access to improved early

warning of and response to cyclones through the expansion of the Cyclone

Preparedness Programme to six new upazilas of two districts (Khulna and Satkhira).

- Over 110 million mobile phone subscribers have been provided access to Interactive

Voice Response based early warning dissemination by dialling the number 10941.

- Radios and batteries, distributed by CDMP II, are helping community radio

broadcasting stations to produce quality radio programming on DRR and CCA, and

enabling thousands of people to receive weather forecasts. The community radio

stations situated in the coastal zone have already extended their broadcasting hours

with CDMP’s help.


Geological Survey of Bangladesh:

- The seismic zonation maps developed have helped identify zones that are at risk of

earthquakes. The local population of these areas have been cautioned to move out in

times of such events to take shelter in specified locations. Information has been

disseminated regarding safe roads to shelters, the nearest hospitals, and other points

of congregation.

- The capacity of the GSB staff in working with seismic microzonation has been raised.

This is the first time that the department has worked on active fault identification in

the country. They have developed this capacity by working with foreign experts with

support from CDMP. In order to ensure that the knowledge and expertise are not lost

over time, junior officers are now learning through knowledge transfer from their

seniors. Furthermore, a network of GSB staff, experts and companies has been

established both at home and abroad to facilitate easy sharing of knowledge and

data.

- With CDMP funding, the GSB has received certain instruments for the first time,

such as the combined seismometer and accelerometers. Additionally, as many as 30

accelerometers had been installed in the first phase of the programme and 10 more

have been installed in the second phase.

Climate Change Cell of the Department of Environment:

- The operation of the Cell has helped incorporate climate change issues in the

amended National Environment Policy, 2013. The policy will help enforce

integration of adaptation and mitigation issues into all development projects, to

tackle the adverse impacts of climate change across the country. The Cell has become

a knowledge hub, with researchers, practitioners, academia, NGO professionals and

others visiting every day for information and knowledge documents.

- The Cell has also produced two documentaries for use in climate change advocacy

and diplomacy initiatives both at home and abroad. The documentaries, one on the

impacts of climate change and the other on tracking climate-induced displaced

people, serve as supportive documents to show Bangladesh’s vulnerabilities to

climate change.

- Data and information services may be accessed by stakeholders and organisations

from the comprehensive web-enabled database on climate change developed by the

Cell, which is the first of its kind in the country. The database facilitates research and

necessary and relevant policy and programme development.

Fire Service and Civil Defence:

- As mentioned earlier in the report (see section on Urban Risk Reduction), there has

been a focus on recruiting volunteers to aid the FSCD. These volunteers are capable

of providing valuable assistance during fire hazards, floods and other major

disasters. Taking the initiative to train women volunteers is particularly significant,

as women do not traditionally participate in disaster relief activities, which can be a

problem when providing assistance to female victims.


- The volunteer training

programme brings together a

diverse group of people in

reducing disaster risk. The

volunteers, although mostly

high school students, also

include doctors, engineers and

high level government

officers. In some cases, entire

families step up to take part in

the programme, inspired or

influenced by a particular

event.

- These volunteers are taking on a leading role in community response to disasters,

and proved their value in the search and rescue operations during the Rana Plaza

collapse in April 2013. At the time of the collapse, 3,122 workers were estimated to be

inside the building As many as 920 volunteers worked shifts for 19 days, risking their

own lives to save others. Close to 2,500 lives were saved during the search and rescue

operation.

Department of Agricultural Extension:

- As part of the curriculum of the

Climate Field School, a field day is

observed involving a huge gathering

from the community. On that day, the

technology introduced to the CFS

farmers and various types of disaster

related knowledge are shared with

the community. The event serves to

motivate the local people into

adopting the technologies

demonstrated, such as the use of new

rice varieties more tolerant to flood or saline water.

- Many of the CFS farmers have been trained in implementing the Manikganj Model of

dry seedbed technology. The model is used for raising seedlings during cold spells

and rice production in the dry season. The project has received a national award as

an innovative response to climate change impact on crop cultivation.

- Another striking result of climate change adaptation in agriculture is the quick

harvest of paddy by farmers before flash floods occur. This is possible due to the

paddy/wheat reaper and small water monitoring tool provided through the CFS to

farmers. Normally, around 3500 taka is required for harvesting one acre of land with

paddy/wheat, with the involvement of 10-12 labourers. However, a single operator

Urban Community Volunteers in Rana Plaza rescue work

Training on Dry Seedbed Technology


can use the reaper and achieve the same task in only 1.5 to 2 hours, at one third of the

cost. - The implications of disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation in crop

selection is becoming a part of the DAE’s planning strategy. Previously, the focus

was on how and what crop would bring more yields, whereas now the department is

looking at not just the yield but also what to do against disaster risk. At the krishi

projukti mela, or agricultural fair, held in December, 2014 in Dacope upazila, the

DAE arranged to include the technology demonstrated in the FSCs.

Department of Fisheries:

- Thousands of farmers and DoF officers have been trained in a cross-sectoral

collaborative effort between the DoF, DAE and the DLS, supported by CDMP. Ten

model villages have been set up with integrated interventions in the three sectors.

- Fish farmers used to practice a single crop throughout the year, which carried high

risks. Now, with the introduction of the safe aquaculture method, they have

successfully learnt how to harvest two types of fish crops twice a year.

- In response to climate change, fish sanctuary projects for the enhancement of fish

biodiversity, and beel nurseries for stock enhancement, are now being initiated.

- As per a directive issued by the Director General of the DoF, the training module on

CCA has been replicated as a part of its regular training programme, and funded by

the department’s own fund to train 40 of its staff.

Department of Livestock Services:

- CC adaptation technology demonstrations and farmer meetings in 50 targeted

upazilas have increased awareness on local disasters. Awareness has been created in

a participatory approach where the farmers themselves were encouraged to identify

themselves the disasters that occurred in their own areas.

- To adapt to flood situations, farmers are being advised to estimate the flood levels in

their areas in the past 10 years and to construct their farms 3 feet above the recorded

highest flood level.

- A local volunteer programme has been launched in Hatia Island to vaccinate

livestock and poultry against the foot and mouth disease in the wake of floods. Local

livestock assistants have received skills-training in providing support to livestock.

- Resilient Integrated agricultural model villages are being established in 3 upazilas

integrating agriculture, livestock and fisheries to help the villagers sustain and adapt

themselves to any kind of disaster. So far, 50 farms have been to participate.

National Curriculum and Textbook Board:

- Over 18 million students (8 to 17 years of age) now have access to DRR and CCA

information, as it has been included in their textbooks

- As a result of awareness-raising workshops held in three divisions for teachers,

education officers and school management committee members, the participants


have pledged their commitment to take action to advocate and disseminate DRR and

CCA knowledge in schools, among guardians, and to local communities.

Department of Public Health Engineering:

- The steps that the DPHE has taken since the cyclone Aila hit the country, provides

over a million of the affected people with better access to safe drinking water. Its

activities have significantly reduced the risk of water borne diseases.

- More than 550,000 women now have improved access to safe drinking water, as a

result of which the risk of acquiring water-borne diseases has been reduced. Their

domestic workload - traveling long distances to fetch water and having to make do

with very little water for household chores- has been reduced, along with the

number of cases of abuse associated with disaster periods.

- Rainwater harvesting units installed at household and community levels are

benefiting the people of those areas where deep tube wells cannot be installed due to

lowering of the water table. The rainwater harvesting units ensure safe drinking

water for the community year round.

- Tube wells with high raised platforms as precaution against flooding and multi-

headed tube wells - each serving many users through multiple connections - are

benefiting the communities of many areas.

- As a result of CDMP support, it has been possible for the department to select project

intervention locations independently, without any political influence. The

intervention sites have all been selected based on the vulnerability of each area as

well as community requirement.

Department of Women Affairs:

CDMP has successfully advocated for the incorporation of gender issues in key policies and

capacities of the government and in cyclone shelter design and features. Training on how to

address the vulnerabilities of women and how to ensure equal opportunities in pre- and

post-disaster situations has also been provided – both to district relief and rehabilitation

officers, as well as upazila level project implementing officers of the DWA. With the help of

CDMP, the DWA has prepared a Contingency Plan to cope with earthquake hazards. IEC

materials such asposters and leaflets have been developed to raise awareness on the need for

gender sensitivity in disaster response.

Directorate General of Health Services:

Two disaster related guidelines have been developed:

A health-related comprehensive post-earthquake action guideline for urban cities,

developed in accordance with the National Strategy on Disaster Management. This

guideline provides an action plan on response and short-term recovery operations

related to earthquakes.

A non-structural vulnerability assessment and guideline has also been developed for

hospitals at central, district and upazila levels. This one is mainly intended for


hospital staff and managers who bear the responsibility of ensuring the stability of

the hospital structures and assets during earthquakes. It may also be used by hospital

authorities and disaster risk managers responsible for hospital emergency

preparedness.

Health service providers in three upazilas have received training in EPR (Emergency

Preparedness and Response) for response and rescue of disaster victims.

A National Health Crisis Management and Archive Centre for disaster records and early

warning is now operational. Through this centre, the DGHS maintains, collects and analyses

data from all sources, such as local health authorities, the BMD, and different government

and non-government sources. The DGHS also updates its Emergency Management

Databank using information from that centre.

Short-term Safe Aquaculture: An initiative for Climate Change Adaptation in model village

The north and north-western drought-prone areas and coastal regions of Bangladesh are particularly sensitive to specific hydro-meteorological climatic and human induced hazards. The north-western region of Bangladesh is historically drought prone. These droughts are associated with erratic monsoon rains and with intermittent dry spells coinciding with critical stages for aquaculture and fisheries. Aquaculture in this region is highly vulnerable due to both extreme flood and drought. Additionally, salinity resulting from prolonged dry spells and reduction of upstream river flow is likely to intrude far inland, destroying fresh water fisheries and their diversity in many areas.

To identify risks in the fisheries sector and further strengthen the capacities of Department of Fisheries (DoF) in respect to Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation, DoF is implementing a partnership programme with CDMP.

Major impacts of climate change like changes in temperature, reduced water retention period, and low and untimely rainfall are identified as limiting factors for aquaculture. Considering these risks, “Short-term Safe Aquaculture” using the higher and lower temperature tolerant modified monosex species ‘Tilapia’ for a safe period of December to April is being piloted in the flood prone areas. Five demonstration ponds were established in late December 2012 in the village Khalsiin Manikganj district. The ponds were establishedin a contributory manner where farmers’ contribution was about 40% of total cost.

The farmers were provided with training, monosex ‘Tilapia’ fingerlings, technical support, pellet floating feed, fertilizers, and netting. All fishes were harvested in May 2013 in the presence of other villagers on the farmer’s field day, with senior officers from DoF also present. Most of the farmers attending were impressed at seeing the result and profit of culturing monosex tilapia during the risk free period, and showed interest to adopt the culture as CCA.

The trial indicates that the Short-term Safe Aquaculture using monsex tilapia would be an excellent variety for CCA as it is fast growing and temperature tolerant at both end. Farmers could get a return within short time- four months only. Based on the result of the demonstration, the technology has been extended to another 45 ponds in different agro-ecological zones, for further trial before nation-wide extension.


1.6 Community Level Climate Change Adaptation

1.6.1 Progress and Results in 2014

During 2014, a study on trends of internal displacement due to disaster and climate change

impacts has been completed, disseminated, and made available in the online DM library.

Based on earlier study findings on climate parameters, drought and local risk maps, 3 policy

briefs were developed during 2014 to assist the policy makers on informed decision making.

Another study on ‘Adaptation Test of Improved Fodder Varieties in the Coastal Area of

Bangladesh’ was initiated and is still in progress.

Building capacity of the partner ministries and agencies on CCA is a major task of CDMP.

During 2014, a total of 52 government officials of different ministries and agencies have been

provided with training on climate change adaption, adding up to a project total of 138

trained officials. The training programme was focused on updated information and facts on

climate change science, impacts, adaptation and institutional aspects. It is expected that the

trained officials will be able to disseminate the lessons learned in their respective

ministries/departments, and contribute to making DRR-CCA inclusive programmes in their

respective departments. With an aim to continue giving these trainings even after CDMP, a

handbook for the trainers titled “Climate Change Adaptation: A Trainer’s Handbook” has

been developed, incorporating the lessons learned from the trainings. The manual will be

used for future trainings of government officials of partner ministries and departments.

Three separate ‘Adaptation and Risk reduction Toolkits’ - on flood and flash floods, cyclones

and salinity, and drought - have been developed. The purpose is to support front-line and

field level training and extension staff in providing easy and readily available local level

disaster and climate change

adaptation actions solution

measures to people in local

communities. In addition, Multi-

Hazard Risk Atlases have been

prepared and published 500 copies

for 10 selected Upazilas (as listed in

Annex - G), to support the local

level risk reduction and adaptation

planning with vulnerability,

exposure and risk information.

During the consultation for

developing the Multi-Hazard Risk

Atlas, stakeholders also requested CDMP to develop more Risk Atlases for other vulnerable

upazilas. Based on the request, preparation of second lot of Risk Atlases has been initiated

for another 28 Upazilas (as listed in Annex - G).


Based on study findings on the issues of non-farm livelihoods and internal displacement,

CDMP has planned to implement a number of structural and non-structural interventions.

Accordingly, 20 climate change adaptation schemes have been approved by CDMP technical

committee. The schemes are to be implemented through UzDMCs to enhance the livelihood

capabilities of more than 2000 people in the six districts of Patuakhali, Barguna, Pirojpur,

Khulna, Bagerhat and Gopalganj.


Filling the Knowledge gaps on Climate Change Adaptation

CDMP, with the objective of filling gaps of available knowledge on climate change and

adaptation, has completed four studies which have generated trend and future scenarios of

climate parameters and drought, local level inundation risk maps (for flood and storm

surge), salinity intrusion scenarios, and locally suited non-farm livelihood options. In 2012,

Union Factsheets containing information on the demography, climate, hazard, infrastructure

and other resources were developed for 1700 unions and distributed to the union and

Upazila authorities to assist their risk assessments and planning for subsequent risk

reduction interventions.


2. MONITORING AND EVALUATION

2.1 Performance indicators and progress tracking:

As per the approved Annual Work Plan (following No Cost Extension Plan 2014-15), M&E

has developed a progress tracking tool for performance indicators. The activities are now

further broken down to micro processes, and this is now performing as Information

Management System for decision support. The critical path for the NCE activities are

already shared with all relevant parties for their tracking, and may be found annexed here.

Figure: Snapshot of Performance indicators and progress tracking

2.2 Assessment of the recent flood:

CDMP has, through its Local Disaster Risk Reduction Fund (LDRRF), implemented a range

of interventions in areas at high risk of flooding in nearly all the 2014 flood-affected districts.

These structural interventions comprise of a range of infrastructure types including killa

(raised ground), road cum embankments, flood resistant housing, and water and sanitation

services. When flooding had affected approximately 2 million people in July and August

2014, CDMP teams visited LDRRF sites to conduct a rapid assessment of the relevance and

impact of the infrastructure created. Summary findings:

i) Household level intervention: Assessment teams visited 7 comprehensive

household interventions located at Belkuchi, Sirajgonj (2); Kazipur, Sirajgonj (1);

Chowhali, Sirajgonj; Fulchari Gaibandah (1); Dimla, Nilphamari (1) and Sindurna,


Lalmonirhat (1).

ii) Under these 7 interventions, 685 household’s plinth had been raised, 650 sanitary

latrines had been built, and 272 tube wells installed. It was found that there were

only 2 houses damaged. That the damage was worse than it might have been was

largely due to lack of maintenance by the household owners. A total of 623 houses

were affected during the flood period, and were saved the households.

Neighbouring people also sheltered from flood in the LDRRF areas, representing a

secondary benefit.

iii) Road cum embankment: Assessment teams visited 24 road cum embankment

interventions in Sirajgonj (6), Nilphamari (2), Lalmonirhat (3), Tangail (12) and

Rangpur (1). Of these, four road cum embankments in Tangail were partially

damaged and eroded, letting the water enter into agricultural fields. Total road

cum embankment length was 37.6 km, of which about 250 meters were eroded and

about 500 meters were partially damaged. This means that less than 2% of the total

road cum embankment constructed had been damaged.

iv) Flood shelter / Killa: Assessment teams visited 9 flood shelters/killa in Sirajgonj

(4), Nil (1), Tangail (3), Lalmonirhat (1). Among these, a killa in the worst-affected

flood area Chowhali, Sirajgonj district, saved the neighbouring villagers and their

livestock during the flood period. A shortage of flood shelters (only 99 shelters

were active in the affected districts) made thousands of displaced people and their

livestock take shelter on nearby roads, embankments and killas. Overall, the

LDRRF-supported schemes were appropriate to the hazard type. On low-lying,

flood-prone land, the raising of safe areas for shelter in times of flood, along with

adequate provision of water and sanitation, is a relevant and high-impact

intervention. All teams saw examples of infrastructure interventions that served

their basic purpose of protecting lives, livelihoods and assets. In some locations

hundreds of families took shelter, sometimes for several weeks. There were many

positive examples of the people living in relatively safer areas supported by

LDRRF interventions extending shelter to their neighbours in need. Beneficiaries

and local authorities in more or less all sites visited mentioned that they were

happy with the impact of LDRRF interventions, especially killas, and that they

used them to take shelter when needed. Some examples of the positive impact of a

more comprehensive approach, for example killas enhanced by adequate provision

of water and sanitation facilities, were noted.

However, assessment teams noted some areas for improvement as follows:

i) Design issues: there were few cases of improper design, for example an

embankment built below the highest known flood height, which was inundated;

some embankments were not long enough, allowing flood water to inundate areas

intended to be protected; part of an embankment cutting across a canal was not

built with an appropriate culvert and was eventually breached by flood water A

killa constructed in Chowhali Upazila had toilets and tube wells, but was unused

as it was covered by flood water. In the case of a killa at Elasin Union, Delduar


Upazila, Tangail, it was not flooded, but lacked a proper approach road and water

supply & sanitation facilities. The cause of these problems is difficult to attribute,

but will be looked in to further.

ii) Quality issues: the majority of roads cum embankments and killas were

constructed with sand or soil, as these are considered as secondary line of Defence.

In all cases there was no provision designed into the project to protect the sides of

the embankment. It was found that some communities had spontaneously planted

trees on the embankments to stabilize slopes. Without protection such structures

are not normally strong enough to withstand the water force and waves during a

flood and are therefore at a higher risk of erosion and damage, sometimes

catastrophic. There was a report of insufficient compaction at one site.

iii) Targeting issues: there were some examples of infrastructure that stopped short of

including everyone in the community, resulting in some community members

benefitting and others not. However, it appeared that no clear criteria existed for

determining which people benefitted and which did not. In some cases, families

who did benefit from housing developments were themselves asking why others

did not benefit. In another case, new shelters on a raised platform and water and

sanitation facilities were built on a newly raised island. This raises questions about

the appropriate policy on disaster displacement. Should the Government of

Bangladesh seek to reduce vulnerability wherever it is found or seek to locate

people in marginally less risky locations?

iv) Community engagement: in the case of some interventions, like road cum

embankments and killa, it was found that the community had not been engaged in

the earthwork and construction of the facilities, with the work done by the labor

contracting societies instead. These interventions were originally envisaged as

short term employment generation opportunities for the local communities, an

involvement which in turn would help ensure stronger feelings of ownership and

future voluntary maintenance. It had also been expected that the paid labor would

provide a short-term boost to household income, especially to women, and

therefore contribute to a reduction in economic vulnerability.

v) Ownership issues: some beneficiaries reported that they did not play a role, or

intend to play a role, in the ongoing maintenance of infrastructure because there

was a sense that the infrastructure was a “government” project and not theirs. In

one instance community members showed the visiting team part of an

embankment which had beenwashed away, but they did not reinforce even though

the breach placed their own homes at risk. However, there were also two instances

found where community members and authorities had taken steps to protect

LDRRF infrastructure as a means of reducing their own vulnerability.

vi) Communication issues: many targeted beneficiaries reported that they did not

receive any kind of early warning (EW). However, many community members also

mentioned that their own knowledge of their environment and natural warning

signs provided some early indications of likely flooding. Across all sites several

different means of EW were mentioned: through the government and UPs, through


NGOs and by SMS (from an unknown source), and through EW messages

broadcasted on radio. However, these sporadic instances did not amount to

effective dissemination of early warning.

vii) Consistency issues: while it was clear that there was value in raising ground, the

impact of interventions was reduced by the absence of a consistent package of

interventions. For example, some killas did not provide water and sanitation.

Whereas the killa itself provided sanctuary, the lack of clean water and safe

sanitation exposed people to communicable disease risks. This issue is of particular

importance to women and girls, and was mentioned as an issue by them in

multiple locations.

viii) Future risk: as a result of river erosion, some infrastructure is now located very

close to a major river and have a higher likelihood of failure to protect

communities from future floods If not maintained. LDRRF has not been able to

secure commitments for future maintenance and reinforcement.

ix) Knowledge, skills and behaviour: LDRRF has focused exclusively on structural

interventions. The fund has not invested at all in communication or behavioural

change activities that could have increased the sense of ownership of the

infrastructure. It appeared that in many sites some of the population were unaware

of how the DM system down to the community level was supposed to assist them

with early warning and entitlements. The same could also be said of the UDMCs.

x) Sustainability and added value of LDRRF: In a very dynamic landscape, with

habitable land being both created and

Documents

Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh APR... · 2015-03-30 · Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh ... faculty of PSTU Furthermore, a course titled “Disaster