USAID's Response: Disaster Management

Approach to Disaster Management

USAID encourages a more dynamic and diversified economy and fosters disaster-resilient institutions and communities. USAID directly supports disaster planning, preparedness and mitigation activities. When disaster damage is beyond the country's ability to respond and resources, USAID provides relief and rehabilitation assistance.

Reducing the Vulnerability of the Poor

USAID programs assist local governments and communities in preparing for and managing disasters through disaster management committees. USAID works with the Government of Bangladesh to develop effective emergency warning and response systems so that vulnerable populations in target areas can protect their assets and bring their families to safe areas. Moreover USAID helps rural communities to prepare and respond to disasters and adapt to the increasing impact of climate change. The following are the efforts to reduce the vulnerability of the poor: 

·         raising the platform of homesteads, schools, marketplaces and other community places in low-lying areas

·         building school/disaster shelters

• working with communities to improve disaster preparedness 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. USAID has provided 14 mobile water treatment units, 16 motorized inflatable boats (Zodiac boats) and 10 water ambulances for the use of its partnering NGOs. USAID established a stockpile of emergency disaster kits for 30,000 families. The kits consist of essential items such as a multipurpose polythene sheet, garments, ropes, candles, plastic containers, and other utensils.

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 in controlling diarrhea. USAID may also assist in rebuilding after a disaster.

Providing Humanitarian Assistance 

USAID provides emergency response, short-term and medium-term humanitarian assistance as natural disasters occur. In the event of a natural disaster, USAID programs often assist relief operations by providing in-country commodities and cash resources for those communities most in need. USAID reconstruction programs focus on increasing household incomes through cash-for-work programs, income-generating skills development, asset transfers, supply input, and assistance for farmers and small businesses at the community level.

USAID Partnerships

All USAID activities are designed and implemented 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. USAID collaborated with other US government agencies to organize seminar and workshops on earthquakes to build awareness and improve coordination among GOB agencies.