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 Disaster Management |
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| Population & Health | Democracy & Governance | Anti-Trafficking | Enterprise Development | Energy |
| Environment | Food Security | Disaster Management | Education | Gender |
- The largest recorded flooding in Bangladesh history occurred in 1998, when nearly 70% of the country
was under water for several months.
- Bangladesh is regularly threatened by cyclones. The most destructive cyclones
have claimed tens of thousands of lives in a single event.
- Tropical cyclones occur at the rate of 1.3 a year in the coastal districts of Bangladesh, making the
area one of the world's most cyclone-prone.
- In recent years, improved early warning systems and preparedness measures have helped reduce the number of lives lost to natural disasters in Bangladesh.
USAID's Response: Disaster Management
Approach to Disaster Management
USAID encourages a more dynamic and diversified economy and fosters resilient institutions and communities to withstand the effects of disasters better. USAID directly supports disaster planning, preparedness and m itigation activities. When disaster damage is beyond the country's ability and resources to respond, USAID provides relief and rehabilitation assistance.
Reducing the Vulnerability of the Poor
Efforts to decrease the impact of flood waters and cyclones on the poor include:
- raising the foundation level of homesteads, schools and marketplaces in low-lying areas;
- building community cyclone and flood shelters;
- working with communities to improve disaster awareness and develop disaster management plans; and
- working with Government, universities, and NGOs in awareness raising, capacity building, and human resource development to improve disaster management capabilities.
Strengthening Disaster Response
USAID supports institutional capacity building activities; community disaster response simulation drills; and the stockpiling of non-food relief items. USAID also contributed to the development of a nationwide radio system for disaster assessment and response. In response to monsoon flooding, USAID has provided six mobile water treatment units and 10 motorized inflatable boats to its partnering NGOs.
When disaster does strike, USAID gives priority to meeting immediate human needs, such as emergency public health and the distribution of relief supplies. The types of assistance provided depend on the disaster. Assistance generally includes survival kits of non-food items, clean water, food, and help controlling diarrhea. USAID may also assist in rebuilding after a disaster.
USAID Partnerships
All work is done in coordination with the Government of Bangladesh and other donors. USAID works through a limited number of intermediaries or non-governmental organizations, who have previously demonstrated on-the-ground capabilities to manage relief efforts.
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