Disaster Management Program
Disaster Management Program
Building Resilience Against Floods and River Erosion
Due to upstream dams in India, the rivers in Bangladesh have experienced severe siltation, drastically reducing their depth and navigability. This has led to significant flooding, particularly in the districts of Faridpur Sadar, Charbhadrasan, and Sadarpur, which are located in the Padma River basin. These areas are heavily dependent on agriculture, but every year, thousands of hectares of farmland are submerged by floodwaters. The lack of well-planned embankments, sluice gates, and preparedness measures has exacerbated the damage. In addition, river erosion has become a critical issue, displacing approximately 3,700 families in 38 villages in Faridpur Sadar and Charbhadrasan, forcing them to live in dire conditions along roadsides, embankments, and railway tracks.
FDA Disaster Management Initiatives
1. Construction of Flood Shelters
Since 1987, FDA has been actively involved in rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts for communities affected by severe floods and river erosion. To mitigate disaster impacts, FDA constructed a flood shelter in 2002 on the isolated Kobirpur Char in North Channel Union. Additionally, in collaboration with the district administration, another flood shelter was built in 2007-2008.
2. Joint Flood Shelter by FDA and District Administration
FDA and the district administration jointly constructed a flood shelter on Char No. 4238 in North Channel Union, Faridpur Sadar. The project cost approximately 1 million BDT, with FDA and the district administration sharing the expenses equally.
3. Multipurpose Use of Flood Shelters
The flood shelters built by FDA and the district administration have served as safe havens during major floods in 2002, 2004, and 2007, accommodating people and their livestock. To ensure year-round usability, FDA established a school and a training center within the shelter premises. The facility provides disaster preparedness and development training to affected communities, local chairpersons, and members.
4. Housing Support for the Landless
Approximately 90% of the people living in the char regions of Faridpur do not own land. They reside in temporary shelters on rented land, making them highly vulnerable to flooding. To address this issue, FDA has elevated 146 homestead plots and permanently raised 25 houses in one village and 40 houses in another, forming cluster villages to reduce flood damage.
5. Permanent Shelter Solutions
Flooding and river erosion in Faridpur frequently leave families homeless. The most vulnerable and impoverished victims seek refuge along roads and embankments. To provide immediate relief, FDA has prepared 200 steel sheds and tents for temporary shelter. Once the floodwaters recede, these structures are stored for future use.
Through these initiatives, FDA has taken a comprehensive and structured approach to disaster management, ensuring resilience and sustainable solutions for affected communities.