Program Successes: Disaster Management

• In 2008, after the issuance of an Emergency Declaration for Cyclone Sidr, USAID Bangladesh responded by providing over $30 million worth of aid in myriad forms, including:  emergency food rations; water and sanitation infrastructure and rehabilitation; restoration of livelihoods; and various reconstruction projects.  This work continues, as victims of the cyclone are still working to recover.
  
  
• In response to 2007 flash flooding, seasonal flooding, and local tornadoes, USAID provided both food and non-food commodities.  The response included:  food rations, shelter materials, clothing, and hygiene and sanitation materials.
  
  
• In response to a 2004 flood, USAID provided approximately $8.2 million to assist victims most affected by the flood. This included resources from the Mission’s ongoing P.L. 480 Title II food aid program.
  
  
• Since 2000, USAID has helped to build 245 multi-purpose disaster shelters in the country’s most flood prone areas. These shelters were crucial to the flood affected populace during the 2004 flood and in Cyclone Sidr in 2007.
  
  
• Disaster contingency plans and training help ensure that 25 million people living in disaster-prone areas have access to emergency relief supplies within 72 hours of a disaster.
  
  
• In partnership with CARE and World Vision, USAID established a stockpile of emergency disaster kits for 30,000 families. The kits consist of essential items such as multipurpose polythene sheet, garments, ropes, candles, plastic containers, and other utensils.
  
  
• USAID and partners provide training to local disaster committees, volunteers and school teachers in 271 of the country’s 277 disaster-prone sub-districts.
  
  
• A USAID supported partnership between Virginia Tech and Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology has worked to reduce vulnerability to seismic threats by educating local professionals and improving the capacity of research and technology in areas related to earthquake safety.