Saturday | 5 October 2024 | Reg No- 06
বাংলা
   
Saturday | 5 October 2024 | Epaper
BREAKING: ● Sailor dies after oil tanker catches fire in Ctg      ● Ex-president Badruddoza Chowdhury passes away      ● Killing during students' movement: 9 bodies to be exhumed in Sylhet      ● Malaysian prime minister leaves Dhaka for home      ● CA seeks Malaysian support for Bangladesh to be ASEAN dialogue partner      ● Malaysian PM assures of attention to 18,000 Bangladesh workers       ● Bid to kill Khaleda Zia: Sheikh Hasina among 113 sued      

Embracing a collective approach to disaster management: Lessons from the current floods

Published : Saturday, 31 August, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 2786
Esrat Karim Eve
Currently, Bangladesh is facing one of its most devastating floods in decades, affecting approximately 4.5 million people and leaving many without necessities. This catastrophe underscores the critical need for a collective and integrated approach to disaster management, aimed at minimizing duplication of efforts and optimizing support for those affected.

The need for a unified approach: The scale of the disaster highlights how fragmented efforts can lead to inefficiencies and gaps in relief. A coordinated strategy involving the government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community leaders, and international partners can streamline aid delivery, ensuring that resources are used effectively and reach all those in need.

Community-based needs assessment: A vital component of an effective disaster response is a comprehensive needs assessment conducted in collaboration with local communities. By involving community members, relief efforts can be better tailored to on-the-ground realities, addressing immediate necessities and long-term recovery needs.

Structured relief and recovery strategy
Awareness and preparedness campaigns: Prior to the flood-prone season, initiatives should focus on educating communities about flood risks and preparedness measures. This includes disseminating information about evacuation routes and emergency contacts.
Immediate relief during floods: Once floods occur, distributing emergency relief supplies is critical. Dry food items such as chira, muri, biscuits, and cakes, along with essential goods like water purifiers, clean drinking water, baby food, sanitary napkins, candles, lighters, soap, clothes, and towels, should be prioritized. These supplies help sustain affected populations during the flood.


Post-flood recovery: After the floodwaters recede, it's important to provide ration packs containing rice, lentils, salt, and vegetables to sustain families for two to three weeks. Concurrently, organizing health camps to treat water-borne diseases and providing hygiene kits with basic medicines is essential.

Long-term rehabilitation and re-empowerment: The final phase focuses on rebuilding shelters and re-empowering communities financially. Initiatives may include distributing livestock such as goats, cows, ducks, and hens to restore livelihoods, alongside efforts to rebuild housing.


Collaborative efforts for a resilient future: An integrated approach calls for organizations with specific expertise to collaborate, each taking responsibility for different regions or aspects of disaster management. For example, an NGO specializing in healthcare might lead health camp efforts, while another with experience in agricultural development could focus on distributing livestock.


By designating specific organizations to support particular villages or unions, we can ensure that disaster-struck communities more effectively recover and rebuild. This approach not only fosters sustainable development but also strengthens communities' resilience against future disasters.

The recent floods in Bangladesh serve as a stark reminder of the country's vulnerability to natural disasters. However, they also provide an opportunity to refine and implement a comprehensive and unified disaster management strategy. Through enhanced cooperation and targeted interventions, we can not only aid recovery but also pave the way for a more resilient and prepared Bangladesh.


LATEST NEWS
MOST READ
Also read
Stay trendy combating the rainy day
Chicken Sizzling
Whole Chicken Roast
Amari Dhaka's Durga Puja special offers
Shokubutsu redefining beauty with miss international Bangladesh 2024
Durga Puja clothing with creative designs
Mutton Cashew Curry
Chana Dal Curry
Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury
Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Online: 41053014; Advertisement: 41053012.
E-mail: info©dailyobserverbd.com, news©dailyobserverbd.com, advertisement©dailyobserverbd.com, For Online Edition: mailobserverbd©gmail.com
🔝