Project Overview

The north eastern regions of Bangladesh are susceptible to earthquakes and flash flooding. This project is designed to reduce vulnerability of the communities at risk of natural disasters.

The projects plans to serve 33,794 people, of which 22,529 live in flood prone areas in Sunamganj and 11,265 in earthquake prone Sylhet.

Project Background

This project prepares communities to cope with flooding and earthquakes in Bangladesh. It will last 15 months, starting in the mid January 2006.

IR aid workers identify areas at risk of flooding and build or strengthen flood protection barriers. The IR staff also make the community aware of the dangers and provide training on how to mitigate the effects of natural disasters.

An early warning system has been installed to monitor river levels and alert communities at risk of flooding. Additionally, IR has established links between the communities, local institutions and other aid agencies.

The project is being implemented in two districts of the north east, Sylhet and Sunamganj.

Project Objectives

Increasing the capacity of vulnerable communities to cope with natural disasters. Communities in areas that are at risk of natural disasters are developed to respond effectively to the risks of floods and earthquakes.

Project Activities

• strengthening flood barriers and other infrastructure
• raising awareness about what can be done to mitigate the effects of a disaster
• Using maps and statistical data to identify areas at risk
• Establishing an early warning system
• Research
• Developing networks of communities, institutions and aid agencies
• Building the capacity of the community to cope with disasters

Beneficiaries

The project currently benefits 12,443 people, the direct beneficiaries are school and college teachers, imams, students, and the community in general.