The risk of disasters is increasing day by day with climate change especially in the southern part of Bangladesh. The lives and livelihoods of the people here are at risk every year due to frequent cyclones and tidal surges. However, the people of Bakerganj upazila of Barisal are no longer helpless in the face of these disasters. The “Strengthening Community Preparedness, Rapid Response and Recovery in Bangladesh” (ACT) project has been working to reduce disaster risk in the region since 2017 by WAVE Foundation.
The main goal of the ACT project is to reduce disaster risk and raise awareness among the people, to make the Union Disaster Management Committee and youth members skilled through training, as well as to increase the general people of the community with the necessary practical skills in dealing with disasters.
In 2024, disaster management training was conducted in 10 batches in the vulnerable areas of Bakerganj. There were 30 participants in each group. A total of 300 participants, including 130 women and 170 men, have been trained in all batches. Participants were given a clear understanding of the nature of the disaster and the identification of local risks, how to use the resources and capabilities within the community to deal with the disaster, how to take action according to the level of the cyclone warning signal, and what to do before and after the disaster.
After the training, Nurjahan Begum, one of the participants, said, “Earlier, we didn’t know what to do when we heard the warning signal. I learned how to prepare for this training. Now I know how to get my family to safety.” Similarly, Arif Hossain, a youth member of the community said, “The knowledge gained from this training will not only benefit me but everyone in the society. I learned how to lead and help others in times of crisis.”
These trainings of the ACT project are a well-organized effort not only to reduce risks, but also to save human lives. Participants are able to play an important role for themselves and their community. Such initiatives are making the local community more confident and on the path to a safe and sustainable future.
