Assessment

0
Assessment Report
On
Disaster/Climate Change
Preparedness
Report on Disaster/Climate Change

Preparedness for
German Development Cooperation (GTZ)
Prepared by
Consultant Team of
Association for Disaster Mitigation and

Development (ADMD)
95/2, Siddeshari Circular Road (4th floor), Dhaka.
Phone: 9333535, Email: admd07@yahoo.com
Assessment Report, GTZ/ November 2010
Contents
1. Abbreviation-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------02
2. Executive
Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------------03
3. Assessment
Process----------------------------------------------------------------------------05
4. Introduction-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------06
5. Workshop
Summary---------------------------------------------------------------------------07
4.1
Karibaria
Union-----------------------------------------------------------------------------07
4.1.1 Demographic, Infrastructure, Health, Sanitation etc.
---------------------08
4.1.2
Hazard/Disaster-Frequency,
Intensity
etc.
-----------------------------------09
4.1.3
Disaster
Preparedness,
Vulnerability
and
Capacity-------------------------12
4.1.4
Seasonal
Calendar------------------------------------------------------------------14
4.1.5
Climate
Change
and
Adaptation------------------------------------------------16
4.2
Barbogi
Union-------------------------------------------------------------------------------19
4.2.1 Demographic, Infrastructure, Health, Sanitation
etc-----------------------19
4.2.2
Intensity
etc.
-----------------------------------21
4.2.3 Disaster Preparedness, Vulnerability and Capacity
------------------------23
4.2.4
Seasonal
Calendar------------------------------------------------------------------24
4.2.5
Climate
Change
and
Adaptation------------------------------------------------26
4.3
Tiakhali
Union-------------------------------------------------------------------------------28
4.3.1 Demographic, Infrastructure, Health, Sanitation
etc-----------------------29
4.3.2
Intensity
etc.
-----------------------------------31
4.3.3
Disaster
Preparedness,
Vulnerability
and
Capacity-------------------------33
4.3.4
Seasonal
Calendar------------------------------------------------------------------34
4.3.5
Climate
Change
and
Adaptation------------------------------------------------35
4.4
Nilganj
Union--------------------------------------------------------------------------------37
4.4.1 Demographic, Infrastructure, Health, Sanitation etc.
---------------------37
4.4.2
Intensity
etc.
-----------------------------------38
4.4.3
Disaster
Preparedness,
Vulnerability
and
Capacity-------------------------40
4.4.4
Seasonal
Calendar------------------------------------------------------------------42
4.4.5
Climate
Change
and
Adaptation------------------------------------------------43
5.
Situation
Analysis--------------------------------------------------------------------------------44
5.1
Hazard
and
Disaster------------------------------------------------------------------45
5.2
Capacity
of
DMC,
CPP,
NGO------------------------------------------------------47
5.3
District
Level
DP/DR
Capacity------------------------------------------------------48
5.4
Health
and
Sanitation----------------------------------------------------------------50
5.5
Livelihood------------------------------------------------------------------------------51
5.6
Climate
Change-----------------------------------------------------------------------52
5.7
NGO
activities--------------------------------------------------------------------------54
5.8
CPP---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------59
6.
General
Findings--------------------------------------------------------------------------------60
7.
Recommendations----------------------------------------------------------------------------64
8.
Persons
Interviewed
and
Consulted-------------------------------------------------------66
Abbreviation
GOB
Government of
Bangladesh
VGD
Vulnerable Group
Development
DC
DRRO
UNO
LGED
WDB
DMC
UDMC
Upazila
UzDMC
DDMC
Union
Parisad
BDRCS
IFRC
CPP
PNGO
NGO
CC
DP
DR
DM
DMB
CRA
FGD
KII
Deputy Commissioner
IGA
District Relief and

Rehabilitation Officer
Upazila Nribahi Officer
(Sub-District Executive
Officer)
Local Government
Engineering Department
Water Development Board
Disaster Management
Committee
Union Disaster Mgt.
Committee
Sub-District
Upazila Disaster
Management Committee
District Disaster
Management Committee
Union Council
Bangladesh Red Crescent
Society
International Federation
Of Red Cross and Red
Crescent Societies
Cyclone Preparedness
Program
Participating Non Govt.
Org.
Non Governmental
Organization
Climate Change
Disaster Preparedness
Disaster Response
Disaster Management
Disaster Management
Bureau
Community Risk
Assessment
Focal Group Discussion
Key Individual Interview
IG
Income Generating
Activities
Income Generation
DEF
Disaster Emergency
Fund
IMP
Integrated Pest
Management
Earthen Mound for
Sheltering cattle heads
Village Employment
Support Foundation
Mother and Child
Health Care
Early Childhood Care
Development
Coastal Area
Rehabilitation Program
Rural Development
Foundation
Clustered village
projects
Wave Foundation
Killa
PKSF
MCHC
ECCD
CARP
RDF
Asrayo
n
WF
WFP
World Food Program
ADB
Asian Development
Bank
Department of Forest
DoF
HF
VHF
Mandir
Masjhid
Madras
sa
LSD
BRDB
RC
Khas
land
High Frequency
Very High Frequency
Hindu Temple
Mosque
Muslim Educational
Institute
Local Supply Depot
Bangladesh Rural Dev.
Board
Red Crescent
Land belongs to govt.
UP
Krishi
Bank
Imam
1.
Union Parishad (Union

Council)
Agricultural Bank
Muslim Religious Leader
Khal
Small village canal
ToT
Training of trainers
Kharif-2 Aman Paddy
Executive Summary
The German Government is assisting Bangladesh in development sectors

since its inception in 1972. On behalf of the German Government, the
German Development Cooperation (GTZ) is continuing its assistance and
all out supports in implementing various projects and programs for the
wellbeing of the people of Bangladesh. The overall aim of the GTZ
relating to this assessment is to support the Government of Bangladesh
in the implementation of its program as Fast start financing of the
adaptation to climate change program. With this end in view, the
GTZ has initiated an assessment of the current situation concerning
climate change and disaster preparedness awareness in the coastal areas
covering four unions viz Karaibaria and Barabogi of Amtoli Upazila in
Barguna District and Nilgonj and Tiakhali of Kalapara Upazila in
Patuakhali District. Intending to conduct an assessment, the GTZ
employed an independent consultant team of the Association for
Disaster Mitigation and Development (ADMD). Accordingly the consultant
team
conducted
the
assessment
in
the
respective
Unions/Upazilas/Districts from 01 October to 30 October 2010 keeping all
terms and condition in full force and effect.
The assessment team followed a participatory approach and employed
various methods including CRA tools i.e. Hazard Map, Hazard Venn
Diagram, Hazard and Livelihood Seasonal Calendar, Bar Graphs, FGD, KII,
consultative meeting with CPP, UDMC, partner NGO staffs, LGED, Water
Development Board, exiting other NGO staffs and few case studies. A
topical outline was prepared pertaining to the issues of climate change &
adaptation, disaster preparedness, disaster risk reduction, disaster
response, livelihood & water and sanitation considering of the following
respondent groups:
Most vulnerable affected community
DC, DRRO, UNO
LGED, Water Development Board (WDB)
Public Health Engineer (PHE)
Union Disaster Management Committee members
Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) Unit
CPP officers
PNGO staffs
Other NGOs working in the target area
Experienced individuals
The team studied available documents such as union profile, UDMC
meeting minuets, program document of NGOs etc.
1.1 Assessment Team

Assessment has been implemented in four selected unions in Barguna
and Patuakhali district by a six-member team having a long track record
of experience in disaster, development, livelihood and climate change
issues. The team consisted of the following six members: A K M Harun Al
Rashid, Md. Nasir Ullah, Mominul Hasan, Golam Rabbani, Sakhawat
Hossain, Shamsul Alam
1.2 The Aim of the Assessment

The aim of the assessment was to:
Assess the climate change awareness/disaster preparedness at

district, upazilla, union and community level.
Review the activities of governmental institution (e.g. DMC) and

non- governmental institution (like CPP, other NGO activities) on
climate change and disaster preparedness.
Review of the climate change / disaster preparedness experience of

the two agencies Resource Development Foundation and Wave
Foundation and recommend / propose gap training or capacity
building initiatives with specific focus on climate change and
disaster preparedness.
Document community level indigenous adaptation (climate change

and disaster preparedness) strategies/ practices of the respective
communities.
Provide recommendations for future program interventions relating

to climate change and disaster preparedness.
1.3 Key Issues Identified

While four workshops in four unions are completed and followed by

community visit, interaction, interview in most of the places the team
identified couples of key issues need priority attention are mentioned
below:
Despite of being disaster prone and acute vulnerabilities the

awareness of the peoples of four target coastal unions in general is
low and preparedness to withstand adverse effect of disaster is not
at acceptable level.
Though the involvement of NGOs on the ground has increased in

recent time a few of those are engaged in DP/DRR activities. Many
of those did not involve in disaster and climate risk and impact
assessment. Others focused on issues like health, micro finance,
development, improving local level governance, etc. which likely to
provide considerable support to the community. Institutional
capacity of local govt. institutions and NGOs followed by the
various measures relating to DRR undertaken by the Disaster
Management Bureau has considerably enhanced particularly after
the super cyclone SIDR.
Increase of inundation associated with high degree of salinity,
excessive rainfall, drought, significant variation of weather, coastal
erosion etc. have been negatively impacted on rural livelihood. The
recurrence of cyclonic events like super cyclone SIDR destroyed
major infrastructures such as embankments, internal roads,
bridges, culverts caused tremendous stresses on water resources
that directly or indirectly affecting normal agriculture to a great
extent.
Climate change is happening and likely to lead more rainfall,

drought, and more importantly rise in sea level and will increase
threats to human health. Moreover the impact of climate change is
unpredictable. Millions of people along low lying coastal areas are
at particular risk of severe cyclone and storm surge. People of local
community can also perceive the changes that have been occurring
and impacted on the community particularly on health and
livelihood and natural hazards.
The eventual outcome of workshops along with detail findings and

necessary recommendations has been put in detail in the chapters 6 and
7.
2. Assessment Process
Assessment process composed of different steps of which the most
important are includes as follows:
Organized 3-day workshop in each target union with participation of

community people of mixed profession and background. People
attended in the workshop includes women, fishermen, farmer,
landless, minority people, people living in the outside embankment,
ultra poor, SIDR and AILA affected people in the first day. In the
second day representatives of UDMC, local union parishad (union
council), student group, female representatives, CPP volunteers,
NGO and other associations, club etc. attended the workshop. The
third day was utilized for key person interview, selected community
meetings, case studies etc.
The workshop dealt with the issues of disaster preparedness

focusing on awareness on climatic variation and change at the
community level and how to cope with adversities of climate
change locally through adaptation and advance preparedness
measures. In each workshop the assessment team explained the
participant about objectives of assessment exercises and used
number of participatory tools including CRA tools i.e. Hazard Map,
Hazard Venn Diagram, Hazard and Livelihood Seasonal Calendar,
Bar Graphs, FGD, KII etc.
Consultative meeting with local authorities including district

administration of Barguna and Patuakhali, UNO of Amtoli and
Kalapara, local govt. officials at district and upazilla level, CPP
officers, rural elites of the assessment area, Union Disaster
Management Committee members, implementing agencies of GTZ
(RDF &Wave Foundation), Local Government Engineering
Department (LGED), Water Development Board (WDB), exiting
other NGO staffs and few case studies were conducted.
Apart from workshop the team has performed number of FGDs, small
group discussion, reconnaissance survey to explore the major problems
of the locality. The issues of climate change, disaster preparedness and
need of the people after two years since cyclone SIDR, different ways
that have been thought best to be adapted combating the effect of
change and livelihood in the context of pre and post SIDR have been
evaluated and validated in the small group discussion on the third day.
In order to validate datas and information gathered from the community
the team visited respective offices at upazilla (sub-district) and district
level as well as union parishad (union council) offices of respective union.
3. Introduction:
Bangladesh is extremely vulnerable to natural hazards. About one third of

its population lives in chronic poverty. Countrys geographical location
and its topography make it one of the most disaster countries in the
world. The natural hazard events often result in disasters with a high loss
of life and economic damage. Historically, deaths from single event, such
as cyclone reached up to the hundreds of thousands in Bangladesh. The
super cyclone SIDR and AILA caused huge devastations in the coastal
region. According to expert view the progressive trend of cyclone is
related to climate change. In this context GTZ has initiated an
assessment on present situation of selected unions in the coastal belt
mainly focusing on climate change and disaster preparedness issues.
Accordingly the assessment has been conducted on disaster
preparedness and climate change issues in disaster affected four unions
at the coastal area. To conduct the assessment GTZ has employed an
independent and experienced consultant team. During conducting
assessment the team emphasized on disaster vulnerability, preparedness
capacity and the overall views of the most disaster affected people
including women, children, disable and poor. The team also gave
imperative on climate-change situation, indigenous coping mechanism
and adaptation.
4. Workshop
Summary
4.1
Union
Karaibaria
Karaibaria is one of the

most SIDR and AILA
affected union of Amtoli
upazilla under Barguna
district. The north of
Karaibaria is surrounded
by Pochakoralia union,
the south and west has
been surrounded by
Pochakoralia
and
Barabogi union and in
the east Andarmanik River. It has 13 villages almost equally affected by

SIDR and AILA in the recent past. Karaibaria union parisad is 22 km. far
from Amtoli upazila by road and 25 km by river way.
Karaibaria has been own a total of 11891 acres of agriculture land of one
crop mostly rain fed, 4038 acres of land of two crops, and about 3856
acres of land lying barren throughout the year. Presently salinity has been
the major concern of the population irrespective of all class of people.
The threats of continued salinity started after the SIDR.
During SIDR the threat has been aggravated by a breach of embankment
on the river Andarmanik at the point of Dakhin Jharakhali village. Huge
influx of saline water in the Karaibaria has made the agriculture activities
most difficult and uncertain. The big majority of population those who are
farmers by tradition has been destined to be poor after SIDR. The vast
areas of land are still under saline water and as regards returning to
normal agriculture from the present situation it is told by many that
natural desalinization requires 10 to 15 years time even if embankment is
strongly constructed and further intrusion of saline water is stopped.
4.1.1 Demographic, Infrastructure, Health, Sanitation and Other

Essential Services
Demographi
c
Information
Distribution of
population
Kariabaria union is inhabited by 26611

populations in 5740 families. The gender
composition is 50:50 in ratio. Disabled
365. Among the population 50% of them
live on agriculture and sharecropping
40% depends on agricultural labor and
small scale fishing and 10% people is
involved in service, small trades and
others. At present a total of 1500 Hindu
families are staying in the Kaiarbaria
union maintaining good harmony with
the Muslim. Hindus in the Muslim
majority community are enjoying equal
rights and representation in different
social activities and in the local
government as well.
10
Family
structure
Childrens
education
Infrastructur Types of
e
housing and
other
infrastructure,
use of latrines
People in this union live in both

nucleolus and extended pattern of
family. Few might be fall under female
headed household and single parent
family.
There are 13 govt. primary school in
Kariabaria union of which six are
primary school cum cyclone shelter,
registered primary schools nine. School
aged children are mostly going to
nearby primary schools. Secondary
school facilities are also available in the
community area. Kariabaria union own
two secondary schools, two junior
secondary schools, five madrashas
(Islamic religious educational institution)
and two orphanages. The children
belong to farmer family has been
availing the opportunity to continue
their education. Other school going
children are struggling hard to ensure
their presence in the school eventually
many of them reported to be dropped
out before reaching in junior secondary
level.
Most of the houses are built in low land
with thatched materials. Very few are
built in raised platform with corrugated
Zink sheet. Houses are built in scattered
form with some distance. Four to five
houses are found to be in clustered form
in number of places.
80% house hold did use hygienic toilet
in the past. Before SIDR small number of
houses had sanitary latrines which
caused increase of water borne diseases
tremendously during flood and tidal
surge. During SIDR many households
lost their sanitary latrines and few of
them have yet been able to reconstruct
and install new ones.
11
Types of road
Health,
sanitation
and other
essential
services
Availability of
electricity ,
water and
telephone
Basic services
exist
Institution
present
The Karaibaria union has only 18 km.

metal road, 08 km. semi metal and 112
km. mud road. Inhospitable
communication has been added new
problem in the community posing big
threats to disaster in respect of
dissemination of warning and early and
smooth transportation during
evacuation and emergency sheltering.
There is no electricity facility available in
the Karaibaria community. At present
negligible electricity coverage is
available which not more than 10%
coverage. Due to lack of electricity no
storage facility for fish has ever been
available in the locality.
There is no mother and child health care
center in the community. Pregnant
women in emergency cases need to be
transported to Amtoli upazilla health
complex situated within the distance not
easily reachable.
NGOs, Krishi Bank, Gameen Bank, LSD,
Union Parisad office, CPP union office,
54 Mosques and 16 Mandir (Hindu
Temple)
4.1.2 Hazard/ DisasterFrequency, Intensity, Duration, Damage

and Loss
According to history of disaster the community had experienced many
disasters in the past among those cyclone, tidal surge combined with
salinity have been considered as dreadful events. The community has
also been severely suffered from saline water logging around agricultural
land and intrusion of saline water in fishing ponds and other water
bodies. Presently the whole community has been experiencing untold
sufferings in terms of livelihood which is reportedly started after massive
intrusion of saline water followed by super cyclone SIDR.
Amtoli Upazilla because of its proximity to the Bay of Bengal has already
been experienced two biggest and most devastated cyclonic disasters in
1965 and 1970 which is still remained present in the memory of the aged
people. From long past Karaibaria is known as one of the hazard prone
area of Amtoli Upazila.
12
Some of the common exercises have been conducted in all the four
workshops which have taken place separately in each target union. This
includes as follows;
Hazard map/Venn diagram/ Bar graph /Historical profile of disaster and
Seasonal Calendar.
The mapping exercise shows the layout of Kariabaria depicting high,
medium and low risk areas where the water rising is happening.
Vulnerable areas have been demarcated where women, old people,
children and people with disabilities and those whose income is not
enough to support the families are staying. The map also shows location
of different establishment like mosque, school, health center, and cyclone
shelters etc. as social resources. The mapping exercise included the
hazards done by a group of people from both sex.
During workshop Hazard Venn diagram was drawn with objectives of
understanding the magnitude of disaster in terms of its long and short
term effect. The Venn diagram shows that Karaiabaria community
considers cyclone, tidal surge, and salinity as the most devastating
events for the community. Other hazards like drought also triggered
concern for the community.
A comparative analysis of the Venn diagram revealed that the cyclone is
depicted with larger circle denoting the high magnitude. Salinity, tidal
surge are depicted with a circle slightly smaller than the circle of cyclone
signifying constant apprehension of happening again and again. Seasonal
drought is one of the big concerns for the community but depicted with a
smallest circle because it is happening and continued a bit longer period
making the cultivation and harvesting difficult and sometimes risky.
Workshop in Karaibaria was held in Naliabunia govt. primary school cum
cyclone shelter on 2-4 October 2010.
Hazard Venn diagram of Karaibaria Union
13
Cyclone
Tidal
Surge
Nor-western
Wind
Commun
ity
Salinit
Less
Rainfall
Disaster History and Impact Analysis of

Karaibaria Union
Hig
h
Magnitude
Damage
Low
Cyclone
Less Rainfall
1965
2009-10
Cyclone
1970
NW Wind
1991
SIDR
2007
AILA
2009
Cyclone, tidal surge, drought, Nor western wind are the major mishaps
that shown in the bar graph the people of Karaibaria remember from the
past. The SIDR was one of the fiercest cyclones. 88% of the total
14
recorded death was occurred in four worst affected districts namely,

Barguna, Bagerhat, Potuakhali and Pirojpur. Highest death toll to 1335
was recorded in Barguna district and 454 person died in Patuakhali
district. It was considered as fierce as the ones that hit the country in
1970 and 1991 killing five hundred thousand and 1.4 hundred thousand
people respectively.
Historical Profile of Disaster
Year
1965
1970
2007
2008
1991
2009-10
Description
Cyclone and tidal surge caused severe loss of life and
damage
Cyclone and Tidal surge severely affected the union
Super cyclone SIDR caused colossal damage
Cyclone AILA caused inundation
Nor-Western Wind caused damage
Seasonal draught caused by irregular and less rainfall is
commonly considered harmful to agricultural activities that
are formally observed by the community since 2009 and
2010.

Vulnerability
Lack of understanding of warning signal
Inadequate warning signal flag post
50%people do not have transistor Radio set
Maximum CPP warning equipment is non functional
Community initiatives for self preparedness is lacking
Less access to TV
Inadequate Cyclone shelter covering only 20% of total population.
Internal communications in deplorable condition
No special care taken to women, children disable, and elderly

during evacuation
During SIDR community response for sheltering was poor
Imam, elite, member of DM committee have shallow understanding

on DP/DM
15
Negligible initiative for basic DP measures such as raising house

plinth, tube well and latrine
Inadequate availability of safe water in remote areas
Breach of coastal embankment, original height of embankment

reduced to a great extent over the year
Tendency of cutting embankment for fishing and shrimp projects
Intrusion of massive saline water in the inlands
No safe building around the community for emergency sheltering
Present electricity coverage only 10%
Inadequate sluice gate of which most are not operational
No single private concrete building exist in the union
Loss of massive forest resource due to high degree of salinity
Lack of DP awareness
Following an analysis of all the information presented in the workshop,

the team identified much vulnerability of which five significant issues
such as embankment, disaster preparedness, cyclone shelter,
communication and awareness that are very important for the
Kariarbaria community.
Capacities
After the super cyclone SIDR level of awareness is gradually

increasing
People raise house plinth but not in acceptable level
Union Disaster Mgt. Committee (UDMC) reorganized, consolidated

and conducts regular meetings
Union Parisad more proactive during disaster. Preparation of

damage report is in appropriate times
CPP is active
Few NGOs are engaged in disaster related activities
Information flow increased to a great extent due to mobile phone,

TV etc.
About 30-40 Mosques mike are being used for dissemination of

warning during disaster supplementing to CPP action.
16
Recommendations
Union contingency plan drafted by NGO Shusilan should be

finalized and put into practice
Provision for comparatively small cyclone shelter
Introducing of house building loan/grant to build safe house can be

initiated.
Re-excavation of canals to increase the water flow for irrigation.
Repair of exiting disordered sluice gate.
Should repair and reconstruction of the embankment as per

specification of Water Development Board (slandered specification
5.18 mitre high and 1:7 slope for coastal embankment; 4.8 mitre
high and 1:3 slope for internal embankment).
DP/climate change awareness programme for community needed

to be undertaken.
Culvert/ bridge, approach roads to cyclone shelter required

immediate repair.
Familiarize rain water harvesting system in the community.
Reequipping CPP and existing number of signal post should be

increased.
CPP need more training on DP/search and rescue operation/signals

and evacuation.
4.1.4 Seasonal Calendar (disaster and livelihood)

The seasonal calendar one of the outputs of workshop is shown below
depicting the changes in different activities and hazard events during the
cycle of 12 months.
JanuarySeptember are the most vulnerable month of the year for
Kariabaria. This community is fully depended on rain fed agriculture and
80% of agricultural land is always inundated by saline water. Breach of
embankment at the tributaries of Andarmanik River caused massive
intrusion of saline water causing damage to standing crop every year.
High tide coupled with monsoon rain might rise in sea water that will
enable saline water to intrude further inland causing serious problem for
17
fisher community. As it happen that sweet water fish cannot survive in

the saline water.
Karaibaria has been experiencing loss of sweet water causing pond
fishing and community farmer to suffer from dearth of fishes and
diminishing agricultural production.
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
Issue of
Analysis
Seasonal Calendar Hazard and Livelihood of Karaibaria

Union
Cyclone
Tidal
Surge
Salinity
Flood
Less
Rainfall
Heavy
Rainfall
Fishing
Cultivat
ion
Harvest
ing
High
Income
Low
Income
18
Agriculture and fishing is seen as major economic activities of nearly 80%

community people at Karaibaria union. Very few are involved in small
trades, services and other non-farm activities. So majority of population
is badly affected by salinity.
Differences of Pre/Post SIDR Livelihood
The team while tried to explore the differences of pre/ post SIDR
livelihood, it is revealed that the following changes in the livelihood have
been occurred:
Huge capital loss that has not yet been supplemented by any
means of earning.
Employment opportunities lessened
Many people mostly one person from each of poor families already
migrated/ displaced.
Daily income decreased
Selling of household materials, cattle heads and other animal and
poultry sharply
increased.
Price of agricultural land decreased because of severe salinity.
4.1.5 Climate change and Adaptation

One of the major tasks of the team was to deal with climatic variation
and change its resultant impact on natural hazards and livelihood. In
dealing with the issues of climate change with community various
strategies were applied of which brain storming, FGD, formal/ informal
interaction were the most important. Equal emphasis has been given to
adaptation and how the adaptive capacities can be enhanced.
During discussion it is apparently found that the climate change issue
appears less important by the community than that of other issues of
disaster facing by them. For example Karaibaria Union is gripped by the
salinity which clearly requires priority attention.
While the team asked the community, did you feel/perceive any changes
occur in your community during the last few years? Response of the
community was as follows:Changes
Weather temperature increased

19
In recent times monsoon late appearance causing irregular rainfall

and increasing warming.
Frequent high tide has led to increasing salinity.
High tide coupled with excessive rain fall aggravates normal flood
situation caused damages of property and socio economic
condition in many ways such as weakening mud foundation of
houses, standing crops and livelihood at large.
Irregularities of pre-monsoon precipitation have been more acute
causing draught like situation at Karaibaria.
Community people also started observing seasonal changes and
gradual disappearance of Sharat and Hemonta (autumn and late
autumn) seasons (August to November) from six season cycle.
Increased occurrence of thunderstorm during rain and sometimes it
happens when there is no rain.
Attack of insects intensified; mosquitoes have been more invasive
than before.
Growth of different varieties of trees sharply falls due to salinity
and many trees have been lost over a couple of years.
More importantly occurrence of depressions and hazards has been
increased.
Mentionable that these change as an effect of variation of climatic

condition has been formally/ informally observed by the community over
a couple of years.
Impact
How the changes impacted on the community? While asked, it was
revealed that:
Agricultural production in general has been decreased since long

(after SIDR and AILA). Intrusion of saline water into inland left the
huge amount of paddy land uncultivated.
Both fish culture in pond and fish catching in the sea /river is
reduced. Inundation and subsequent intrusion of saline water
(sweet water fishes cannot survive in the salty water) and water
contamination resulting from random use of harmful chemical, and
unknown diseases of fish have been emerging as a new threats to
fish culture.
20
Migration trend appears to be enhanced after SIDR as the poor

household facing
difficulties in supporting family with current income.
Health expenses enormously increased than before to tackle the

increased human diseases.
Reasons of Change
While asked about the root causes of changes it is said that:
Normal plantation is reduced to a great extent leading to warming

weather.
Immensely use of harmful insecticide, chemical in agricultural land,

houses, smock of brick field at community in part adversely
impacted on weather.
Adaptation
The assessment team observed that particularly older people remember
how weather pattern have changed over the years and what coping
mechanism have to be taken. The community while asked about
adaptation, some means and mechanism were suggested by them to
enhance the adaptive capacity which is shown in the table below:Issues of
analysis
Agriculture,
fishing,
livelihood
Hazards
Drought,
salinity, tidal
surge
accompanie
d by
excessive
rain etc.
Adaptation
Irrigation system to be put in

practice for diversification of
production.
Heightening the embankment as
per standard specification.
Re-excavating existing canals for
preservation of water.
Shrimp cultivation as an
alternative option of livelihood as
the salinity left huge agricultural
land uncultivated.
Encouraging people towards cow
farming, poultry etc.
Ensuring availability of required
starting capital for finding
alterative option for livelihood.
21
Planning for intensive plantation.

Introducing and familiarise
salinity resistance crop.
Undertaking climate risk
assessment
Raising awareness on climate
change for enhancing adaptive
capacity of the most vulnerable
community.
Indigenous adaptation is
currently includes:
Crops are being cultivated in a
limited way by constructing little
protection wall on the boundary
of land and it worked well in
preventing intrusion of saline
water.
Fencing ponds by fishing net for
saving fishes during inundation.
Planting trees in the homestead
land for
compaction of soil.
Habitants of low lying area
started to rise
plinth and homestead land
while they
construct new dwelling houses.
4.2 Barabogi Union

Essential Services
22
Demographi
c
Information
Description,
distribution of
population,
profession,
crop pattern
etc.
Family
structure
Child
education
Barabogi Union has been inhabited by

38838 populations in approximately
6467 families. The gender composition
is 19718 male and 19120 female.
Barabogi Union is established in 1973
having a total area of land 192 square
km. Pochakoralia and Karaibaria is in the
North, Bay of Bengal in the South,
Burishar and Andarmanik River in the
west and east of Barabogi respectively.
The Barabogi union is consisted of
almost 50 villages. Among the
population 55% live on agriculture and
sharecropping. Hand to mouth
group/ultra poor comprised of 30%
including labor and 15% people is
involved in non-farm activities like
service, small trades and others. About
1300 Rakhain families (people from
Myanmar) also live in the Barabogi
union. Villages where ethnic community
resides are mostly built in the clustered
form. At present a total of 1200 Hindu
families are staying in the Barabogi
union maintaining good harmony and
rapport with others. All communities in
the area are enjoying equal rights and
representation in different social
activities and in the local govt. as well.
There are 96 Mosques, four Mandirs
(Temples for Hindus) and eight Pagodas
(Temples for Buddhists) situated in the
community.
People in this union live in both nucleus
and extended pattern of family. Few
might be fall under single parent family.
There are eight govt. primary schools,
22 non-govt. primary schools, two non
govt. secondary schools, two junior
secondary schools, four Madrashas
(Islamic religious educational
institution), three Orphanages are
situated in Barabogi union. The literacy
rate is 52%. School aged children are
mostly going to nearby primary schools.
23
e
housing and
other
infrastructure,
use of latrines
Types of road
Health,
sanitation
and other
essential
services
Availability of
electricity ,
water and
telephone
Basic services
exist
Institution
present
Commonly houses are built with

corrugated Zink sheet and thatched
materials. Very few are built in raised
platform. A total of 40 numbers of one
/two storied buildings are constructed
mostly own by different NGOS, Bank,
Schools, Union Parisad office etc. and
situated in the business hub. 80 %
population has been brought under
sanitation but require repeated repair
due to its weak structure. SIDR and AILA
caused damage to many sanitary toilets
and a few of them have yet been able to
reconstruct and install new ones.
The Barabogi union has only 20 km.
metal road, four km. semi metal road
and 500 km mud road. Huge amount of
mud road posed big threats to
community in regular transportation of
agricultural production and
communication. Unstable
communication system left the
community more vulnerable to gain
easy access to cyclone shelter as well as
carrying out economic activities.
There is little electricity facility available
in the Barabogi community and the
facilities localized only in the business
and administrative centers.
There is a 20 bed hospital, one sub
health center, and one registered doctor
employed by Caritas rendering
treatment amongst the Caritas
beneficiaries. 23 trained birth
attendants belonging to different NGOs,
trained village quake etc. are available
in the community.
NGOs, Krishi bank, Gameen Bank, LSD
(local supply depot), Union Parisad
office, CPP union office,
Workshop in Barabogi union was held in Barabogi Union Parisad office on

6 -7 October 2010.
24
4.2.2 Hazard/ DisasterFrequency, Intensity, Duration,

Damage and Loss
Brief disaster history of Barabogi
says that in the past community
experienced many disasters of
which cyclone in 1965 was
considered the most devastating
one in terms of loss of life and
property. Before construction of
coastal
embankment
many
coastal unions and upazillas were
exposed to natural hazards in the
Barguna district. The Bay of
Bengal, which is an ideal breeding
ground for tropical cyclone in
Bangladesh, is not very far from
the Barabogi union. The Barabogi
being
a
coastal
community
remained unprotected from tidal
surge and constant threats of
eviction since long and hit by
many cyclones during the year
1960, 1961, the maximum wind
speed of those events were
varying from 160-260 km. per
hour and storm surge height rose
up to 10-20 feet. After the
construction of coastal embankment during the period from 1965 to 1970
the Barbogi and its adjacent unions and upazillas have been claimed to
be protected from storm surge.
The cyclone of 1970 one of the highest-ranking disasters incurred less
loss of lives and property in Barabogi compare to that of 1965 which is
still believed to be the blessings of coastal embankment.
The SIDR in 2007 and subsequent AILA in respect to its ferocity and
magnitude of wind speed and storm surge were no less than 1970 caused
colossal loss of life and property at Barabogi in Amtoli. Barabogi union is
25
also struck by cyclone in 1991, tornado in 1988 with varying intensity

(Shown in the Bar graph).
In Barabogi drought and excessive rainfall has long been considered to
be a hazard responsible for ups and downs of agricultural activities. Both
the event adversely affects crop production in this union. This union has
been experiencing draught like situation since 2009 which continued till
2010. Achievable Shrimp, crop production, has been apprehended to be
reduced to a great extent due to excessive rainfall during October 2010.
The hazards and its possibility to occurring again is shown by Venn
diagram
Hazard Venn Diagram of Barabogi Union
Cyclone
Tidal
Surge
Less
Rainfall
Communit
y
Heavy
Rainfall
Tornado
Disaster History and Impact Analysis of

Barabogi Union
Magnitude
Hig
h
Damage
Low
26
Cyclone
NW Wind
1965
1988
AILA
2009
Cyclone
Cyclone
1970
1991
SIDR
2007
Historical profile table of disaster

Year
1965
1970
1988
1991
2007
2009
20092010
20092010
Description
Cyclone accompanied by 15-20 storm surge with
maximum wind speed 210 km/hr
Cyclone accompanied by wind speed 223 km per/ hr and
storm surge height rose up to 2030
Tornado/Nor-Western Wind
Cyclone accompanied by wind speed 100 km/hr and
storm surge 6-7 feet
Super Cyclone SIDR accompanied by tidal surge
Cyclone AILA with tidal surge
Less rainfall caused moderate draught
River erosion at Joyal Vanga, Ashar Char, and Nidrar Char
across the River Paira

Vulnerability
Family level preparedness is at minimum level which covers only

20% of total population.
80% of people live in physical vulnerabilities as the height of

embankment is less than standard.
Abundances of low plinth house.
45% of people live below poverty level.
Due to salinity, single crop agriculture diminishing production.
27
About 500 people at Bararampura and 600 families of fishing

community at Nishanbaria are unable to take shelter due to
remoteness and bad communication.
One third population have access to shelter.
Capacity
Existence of good number of buildings.
UDMC, CPP played vital role in the dissemination warning,

evacuation and sheltering.
Out of 109 Mosques 50 to 60 mosques mike (PA system) has been
used for disseminating cyclone warning.
Disaster fund has been created by Caritas with the help of
community.
Formation of nine members Ward Disaster Management Committee
(three women) has been facilitated by Caritas.
Recommendation
DP awareness rising
Rain water harvesting
DM/DP training for Imam, UDMC members, fishermen
Construction of killas (earthen mound for sheltering cattle heads)
Introducing community radio system.
Heightening of embankment.
4.2.4 Seasonal Calendar

The study team gathered lots of information through this exercise. Most
important are relating to socio-economic condition. All disasters in the
past led to livelihood of many people most difficult. About 60%
population is affected by hazard events every year.
Cyclones are originally formed and hit either in the month of April to May
or October to November. The excessive rainfall in the month of June to
September makes the cultivation convenient. If precipitation acutely less
than the average falls in the month of April and May hindering activities
relating to production of saplings of paddy. June to September is usually
considered pick season for catching fish. Low key level catching started
from the month of March and continued up to November.
28
There is a large seasonal variation in the flow of income. People earn

more income in November to December and many households reported
to have taken loan from NGOs in the month of September to October.
When institutional loan is hard to obtain people takes loan from village
money lenders at an exorbitant rate of interest. As the majority of people
are poor their dwellings are not strongly built, they also suffered from
food insecurity 5 to 7months in a year. They are in constant need to
repair houses, provide their children with adequate food that they could
not afford. As their income was inadequate most of the household had to
incur debt.
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
Issue of
Analysis
Seasonal Calendar Hazard and Livelihood of Barabogi Union
Cyclone
Flood
River
Erosion
Draught
Heavy
Rainfall
Fishing
Cultivatio
n
Harvestin
g
High
Income
Low
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
Issue of
Analysis
29
Income
Seeking to analyze livelihood the study team went on to classify the
profession in percentage which has shown that:
About 55% people including sharecropper are engaged in

agriculture
About 30% people sale their labor in the agriculture minimum 120
days in a year
About 15% people find their livelihood in small trades, services and
other including 80 families belonging to minority group engaged in
handloom.

While the study team asked the people that did the SIDR bring any
differences in the livelihood? The changes they confronted in their
livelihood after SIDR have been given as follows:
Institutional and non-institutional loan has been increased to cope
with poverty during different types crisis events.
Migration rate increased.
Advance selling of labor has increased.
Many people used up their hard earn savings to meet daily needs.
Intermittent rain, drought and salinity situation adversely affect
annual production in subsequent years.
Many fishermen planning to withdraw from fishing profession due
to lack of boat and net.
Need for irrigation system has increased.
4.2.5 Climate Change and Adaptation
The Baragogi union like many other coastal communities in Bangladesh is
vulnerable to a rise in sea level which would be caused by global
warming. Changes in the climatic pattern leading to occurrence of more
rainfall, super cyclone and drought could become more frequent and
severe in this locality. Loss of scarce land resources has already been
acute due to river erosion in the Barabogi union. This community had
already experienced lots of cyclones within the span of a decade those
are supposed to occur more in future.
30
In the workshop session after having threadbare discussion on this issue

the participants were asked to give indicator for changing climate. The
output of the workshop on this issue is given below:
Changes
Irregular precipitation has been acute.
Weather becomes warmer in September and October instead of

April and May.
Floods and seasonal droughts have been more frequent, increasing
sediments and degrade water quality.
Some species of birds with the change in climate has become
endangered or
extinct. Reproduction of two species of birds like
Balihash and Gangchil on the way of extinction.
Height of normal tidal water has increased and food security likely
to be diminished in many communities.
Impact
Human health has been threatened by possible increased expose to

vector borne
infectious diseases . Community has been experiencing some
diseases happening in warmer climate such as fever, dengue,
malaria and sundry ailment that according to them might be the
impact of seasonal changes. Presently people hardly feel or do not
feel rotation of autumn and late autumn seasons within August to
November.
Investment pattern in agriculture and fishing has enormously been

increased. People has to take constant care, invest more money
than before for the same crop and fishing activities.
Reason of Changes
As regards the root cause of climate change the team asked the following
question to the community people that; do you think the changes are
occurring without reason or is it an act of God?
The community believed that there must be some reason behind the
change and cited that:
In the recent years decreasing forest resources and trees are

threatening to environmental degradation for warming weather.
31
Fuel driven vehicles, mills and factories, brick fields are causing
widespread emission in the air contributed rise in weather
temperature to a great extent.
Adaptation
Since the cost of preparedness and adaptation is much less than
reconstruction and relief the team primarily focused on adaptation to
climate change. The types of input needed for adaptation has been
narrated below:Issue of
Hazards
analysis
Agriculture Drought,
. Fishing,
Heavy
Health and rainfall,
others
Adaptation
Encouraging irrigation based cultivation

throughout the community.
Construction of agricultural
infrastructures culvert, sluice gate for
draining out flood water.
Undertaking huge plantation at
community at the
community initiatives.
Introducing salinity resistance seeds for
paddy and
vegetables
Establishing hatchery for fish culture.
Encouraging use of sanitary latrine for
all households.
Enhancing community initiatives for
raising awareness and conservation of
forest resources.
Heightening the height of coastal
embankment
Encouraging social forestry across the
embankment.
Widening access to deep tube well for
safe water.
Familiarizing rain water harvesting at
community
level.
Construction of more cyclone shelters.
Alternative to multistoried shelter build
32
safe house at the coast concept can be

materialized through providing access to
bank loan for community people at low
rate of interest.
Encouraging use of natural fertilizer.
Dredging / re-excavating rivers and
canals around the community.
4.3 Tiakhali Union

The Tiakhali is in one of the most
vulnerable spot of Kalapara due to many
reasons such as its proximity to the River
Andermanik and near the coast, lots of
people living outside embankment. It has
long track records of disaster dated back
to 1965. The technical team through
interaction with local people came to know
that super cyclone SIDR with tidal waves
and storm surge caused extensive physical
destruction, casualties, and damages of
crops, livestock and flooding low lying
lands. According to the local people during
SIDR about 10 sq.km area around the
community
had
experienced
severe
inundation and maximum damage has
been done in the villages under ward no
one.
Workshop in Tiakhali union was held in Tiakhali Union Parisad office on 12
-13 October 2010.
33
4.3.1 Ddemographic, Infrastructure, Health, Sanitation and Other

Essential Services
34
Demographi
c
Information
Description
;
distribution
of
population,
profession,
crop
pattern etc.
Total population of Tiakhali union is 17515

out of which female-7685 and male-9830 in
approximately 3272 families. It has total
area of 10 sq. km. surrounded by the river
Andermanik in the South, river Arpangashia
in the west and river Dhankhali in the East
and Amtoli upazilla is in the North. The
union is consisted of almost nine villages.
Among the total population 30% are farmer
and sharecropper depending on agriculture
for their subsistence fishing community
consisting of 20% and 10% engaged in
other profession like small trades, services
and a huge percentage of people live on
selling labor year in and year out that
comprised of 40%. Tiakhali union is also
inhabited by other minority group like
Hindu and Rakhaine.
Apart from 38
Mosques, about four Mandirs and one
Pagoda have been established in Tiakhali
union.
Most of the lands are cultivated only for
one season and agricultural crops are of
local varieties of Aman. One crop land is
about 41812 hectors. After the rainy
season the Aman crops are planted on the
field. People in these areas are habituated
with age old agricultural practice and do
not follow modern technology. Improper
use of fertilizer and pesticides also prevails
in this part causing great damages to the
environment and health. As it is cited by
the community that Nitro, a poisonous
insecticide is usually supposed to use for
the cotton field but it has been randomly
used in the paddy field by the farmer
resulting in inefficient management of crop
lands.
There is also no irrigation system in the
whole study area. They depend on nature
and in few cases traditional local irrigation
system. People used to wet land from
canals water. But lack of re-excavation of
canals
retaining
capacity
of
water
decreased.
Salinity of water is one of the most difficult
problems
in
this
area.
The
River
35
Family
structure
People in this union live in both nucleus and

extended pattern of family. Few might be
fall under single parent family.
Childrens
There are four govt. primary schools, three
education
non-govt. primary schools, two registered
facilities
community primary schools, one junior
secondary school, one non-govt. secondary
school and two madrashas . The literacy
rate is 60%.
Apart from the town area most of the
e
housing
houses in the community are built on weak
and other
mud foundation as well as located in lowinfrastructu lying area. Some 510 houses are built on
re, use of
outside embankment for which more than
latrines
2000 people are in a state of high risk.
There are three shelters were built in this
area which seems to be meager for the
whole community. People have become
more inclined for going to shelter during
emergency but the number of shelter has
not been increased.
Health,
sanitation
and other
essential
services
Types of
road
The Tiakhali union has only 17 km metal

road, 4 km semi metal and 20 km mud road
and are in deplorable condition.
Availability
of
electricity ,
water and
telephone
Basic
services
exist
The community particularly the rural part is

completely remained outside of electricity
coverage. Limited facility of solar driven
electricity is available.
There is a 20-bed hospital located in
Kalapara Upazilla headquarters, people
used to go there for treatment.
Major cases needed to be referred to
Barisal and Dhaka. There are community
clinics but not well equipped with and
required facilities. FWCs are functioning by
health assistant but no registered doctor
employed in any of the centers excepting
hospital. The health workers are not willing
to go remote places due to poor
communication network. Some trained
birth attendants and village quake are
available in the community.
36
Institution
present

Union Parisad office, CPP union office
4.3.2 Hazard/ DisasterFrequency, Intensity, Duration, Damage

and Loss
The history of disasters at Tiakhali reveals that it had experienced most
of the cyclones that had ever been occurred in the south-western coast of
Bangladesh since long. Cyclone, heavy rain fall, drought, tidal surge,
salinity, erosion etc is the major hazards that the community used to
experience more frequently. The variable intensity and magnitude of
those hazards /disasters are shown with the help of Venn diagram.
The people of Tiakhali likely to experience hazards of any kind as
mentioned earlier in each year which resulted in breaking down the
resilience and coping mechanism of community and individual. The
growing risk and impact of disasters in Tiakhali undermines effort to
reduce poverty, improve quality of life and protect human dignity.
Intensity and magnitude of different hazards are shown in Venn diagram
where in cyclonic event has been the major disaster for the community.
Tidal surge, heavy rainfall, drought situation also exist in the community
and shown with the help smaller circle.
Hazard Venn Diagram

Tiakhali Union
Heavy
Rainfal
l
Tidal
Surge
Erosio
n
Commun
ity
Salinit
y
Cyclo
ne
Nor-western
Wind
Less
Rainfall
Assessment
Report, GTZ/ November 2010
37
Disaster History and Impact Analysis

Magnitude
Hig
h
Low
AILA
Damage
Cyclone
1965
Cyclone
1970
NW Wind
1988
SIDR
2007
2009
Historical profile table as shown below will give the impact of the
event in brief:
Year
1965
1970
Description
High wind with tidal surge causing colossal loss of life
and property
Severe cyclonic wind associated with 23 feet high tidal
surge
Swept away whole coastal areas including Tiakhali
community
38
1988
2007
2009
Nor-western seasonal high wind

Due to the super cyclone SIDR, the death figure was
estimated to be highest in Barguna district
The cyclone AILA caused inundation in Tiakhali union
4.3.3 Disaster preparedness, vulnerability and capacity,

Vulnerability
Low and weak embankment

Existing sluice gate not functioning
Inadequate cyclone shelter
Deplorable communication system
Salinity
Lack of awareness on DP
Scarcity of safe water
Less health awareness
Lack of forestry
Disaster contingency plan not in practice
Among others the Tiakhali union is also vulnerable and most likely to be
forced to evacuate during disaster. The community is likely to be badly
affected due to inadequate cyclone shelter, lack of DP awareness
combined with other factors.
The Team suggested that low height embankment, inadequate cyclone
shelter, lack of awareness etc. are the important issues need priority
attention for reducing vulnerability of Tiakhali union.
Capacity
Courage and mental strength is high.

Social interaction by UP during pre and post disaster helped raising
awareness of the community.
Warning dissemination by CPP is in full force.
Existence of UDMC and practices of pre cyclone meeting by UDMC
added value in the disaster preparedness.
Some NGOs engaged in DP
39
Rapid sharing of information by mobile

School- cum cyclone shelter concept has been included in the
National plan
Community Specific Recommendation:
Raising height of embankment

Constructing well fitted sluice gates with materializing proper
operational system
Providing more cyclone shelters as per ratio of population
Construction of metallic roads
Construct number of tiny sheds in the killa
Providing deep tube well for accessing to safe water where required
Kharif-2 (Aman paddy) is the only crop that captured the priority
attention of whole community. Few vegetable grows in this area but lack
of natural reservoir / or sufficient water bodies for retaining rain water
the cultivation of vegetables suffered to great extent. The farmer
becomes more vulnerable to agricultural production if normal
precipitation reduces in the month of June-Sept. Aquaculture is the
second largest means of livelihood of the local people needs both
pre/post monsoon rains for good breeding, nurturing and nourishing the
fishes. Farmers earnings rise in the month of Nov-Dec, fall during SeptOct and the income of fishermen likely to be remained steady if catches
continued during the rainy season and falls enormously if ponds are over
flooded by excessive rain water that the most fishermen of this area
confronted in the early October 2010.
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
Issue of
Analysis
Seasonal Calendar Hazard and Livelihood of Tiakhali Union
Cyclone
Tidal
Surge
Salinity
Draught
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
Issue of
Analysis
January
40
Heavy
Rainfall
Fishing
Cultivatio
n
Harvestin
g
High
Income
Low
Income

The technical team in a bid to assess the knowledge and experiences of
vulnerable people on the climate change shared the issue in the
workshop session at Tiakhali. Mentionable that no concrete work has ever
been done in this area in providing information on the various risks of
climate change and feasible means and mechanism adapting to change
in the vulnerable communities.
As regards changes in the climate, the communities observations are as
follows:
Average surface temperature increased

Increased cyclone, flood, storm surge, salinity, drought, irregular
rainfall etc.
Normal height of tidal surge increased
Increased heat of pond water and incidence of death of fish
become more frequent
Death of livestock increased due to heat stress resulting from
climate change
Risk of damage to Rabi crops / vegetables increased due to
excessive heat wave
Increased the risk of damage to crops by insect/pest
Vector diseases increased
Causes of Changes
41
The above-mentioned changes have come as a warning sign and are

occurring due to temperature rise as opined by most of the community
people. According to them the reason behind the rise of temperature at
community level is:
Huge emission of gases from brickfields
High population growth
Depletion of trees
Adaptation
Adaptation in the local community is low due to poverty, and more
importantly ignorance. Vulnerability to climate change is high as a result
of salinity, seasonal drought, heavy rainfall, gradual rise of sea level and
other climate related health hazards.
Local adaptability to climate change in part depended on the following
issues:
Issue of
analysis
Agricultu
re,
Fisheries
and
Health
Hazards
Storm surge,
Cyclone,
Lack of
normal rain
fall
Adaptation
In the face of increasing disaster events

sheltering facilities need to be increased.
Existing three cyclone shelters altogether
covering a small portion of population and
huge number of people has been left
unprotected during cyclonic disaster.
Proper functioning of Sluice-gate is
needed for preventing salinity. Most of the
sluice gates are broken and not
functioning. People sometimes using
wood plate for temporarily preventing
inflow of saline water, sluice gates need
immediate repair.
Heightening embankment with standard
specification: Due to soil erosion and
compaction of earth, height of
embankment is lowered down and unable
to protect tidal water during pick high
tide, cyclone and storm surge.
Salinity resistance seed: Production of
Kharif 2 (Aman Paddy) has been reduced
to a half because of salinity. People need
to adapt with salinity resistance seed for
subsistence.
Re-excavating canals: Agriculture is
mostly rain-fed. Kharif 2 is a wet land
42
variety of paddy. Untimely rain making

cultivation difficult for both marginalized
and rich farmers in Tiakhali. Silted canals
need to be re-excavated for ensuring
water flow and reservoir.
Restoration of water bodies:-Care is being
hardly taken to protect the natural tiny
water bodies scattered around the
community. These water bodies are
paving ways for fishing as well as can be
a sustained source of water for irrigation
activities.
Repair, removing unplanned culvert and
embankment:-There are many culverts
and internal embankment once needed
by the community presently lost utility
due to changes occurred in the use of
land over the year. A study is needed to
identify unplanned culverts, embankment
and its current impact on community
livelihood. Concrete decision need to be
taken followed by field study.
Massive plantation: - Plantation is needed
to ensure a sustained improvement of
coastal ecosystem. In the coastal area
salinity is one of the root causes of loss of
trees. Incidence of cutting trees is more
acute in the coastal forest.
Excavation of connecting canal: Diverting water flow towards Tiakhali from
Sekandar khal in the boarder of Amtoli for
increasing water flow. The people of
Tiakhali community already placed
request to the govt. which they thought
will need further study for
implementation.
Diversification of profession: - Will lessen
the dependency on traditional livelihood
activities. Alternative to existing
profession new skills and training will
facilitate opening of income generation.
4.4 Nilganj Union

Workshop in Nilganj union was held in Nilganj Union Parisad office on 1416 October 2010.
43

Essential Services
Demographi
c
Information
Description,
Distribution of
population
Family
structure
Nilganj Union Parisad is located across

the KalaparaKuakata high way.
Kuakata is one of the attractive places
for the tourism located 16 km. away
from Nilganj union parishd.
Nilgang is surrounded by rivers in all
sides. The river Andermanik, is in the
east and west of Nilganj which also
surrounds the north part, and Sonatola
river is in the South. The southern
villages viz. Jalalpur, Sadarpur,
Barorampur, Laskarpur, Majidpur,
Tahirpur have been endangered by the
river erosion. About 10% of population is
under the threat of erosion. The people
of three vulnerable villages have been
relocated and others are struggling with
the erosion for reason of agriculturebased livelihood. Total 32000
populations in approx, 7200 families
have been inhabited in Nilganj union.
The gender composition is 15500 female
and 16500 male.
Nilgang has total area of land 15648
acres. It is consisted of almost 52
villages. Among the population 70% of
them live on agriculture and
sharecropping, 5 % depended on fishing,
ultra poor comprised of 20% including
labor and 5% people is engaged in
service, small trades and others. There
are 70 Mosques, 3 Mondirs (temple for
Hindus) established in the community.
People in this union live in both nucleus
and extended pattern of family.
Community harmony amongst Hindu,
Muslim and Christian is strong. About
5000 Hindu and 150 Christian
populations have been staying in the
community.
44
Childrens
education
e
housing and
other
infrastructure,
use of latrines
Types of road
Health,
sanitation
and other
essential
services
Availability of
electricity,
water and
telephone
Basic services
exist
Institution
present
The rate of literacy of the union is 52%.

There are 16 govt. primary schools, six
registered community schools, one
junior secondary school, three non-govt.
secondary school, one non-govt. college
and five Madrashas ((Islamic religious
educational institution). School aged
children are mostly going to nearby
primary schools.
Commonly houses are built on mud
foundation with CI sheet roofing and
thatched materials. Very few of those
are built in raised platform with strong
pillar and well fitted roofing capable of
providing shelter to the people in
emergency situation. Five cyclone
shelters, three cluster villages, a total of
nine village markets have been
established in the Nilganj union.
The Nilganj union has only 13 km. metal
road, five km. semi metal road, and 45
km. mud road and also having 2/3 ferry
points.
There is little electricity facility available
in the Nilganj union.
People cannot afford good health
service. There is a 20-bed hospital
located in Kalapara Upazilla
headquarters, people used to go there
for treatment.
Major cases needed to be referred to
Barisal and Dhaka. There are 3
community clinics not well equipped
with adequate medical assistant and
required facilities. FWCs are functioning
by health assistant but no registered
doctor employed in any of the centers
excepting hospital. The health workers
are not willing to go remote places due
to poor communication network.
Union Parisad office, CPP union office
45
4.4.2 Hazard/ DisasterFrequency,

Intensity, Duration, Damage and Loss
Since the Nilganj is one of the low lying
community it was severely affected by SIDR.
The inhabitants of Nilganj suffered grave loss
including death and destruction of houses and
were forced to evacuate to various other safer
places. The Venn diagram and Bar graph will
give some primary ideas about the intensity
and magnitude of various types of hazards that
have been confronted by the community for a
long period of time.
Hazard Venn diagram of Nilganj Union
Tidal
Surge
Cyclon
e
Commun
ity
Salinity
NW
Wind
Less
Rain
Disaster History and Impact Analysis of Nilganj Union

Hig
h
Magnitude
Damage
46
Low
Cyclone
Cyclone
AILA
1965
1970
2009
SIDR
2007
NW Wind
1988
Cyclone
1991
Historical profile (table)

Year
1965
1970
1988
1991
2007
2009
Description
Suffered grave Loss of life and destruction of houses.
Severe storm associated with high surge washed away
coastal areas
Nor western wind
Cyclone in 1991 had less impact in Nilganj union
In the event of SIDR, the death figure was estimated to
454 in Patukhali district.
Inundations caused by the cyclone AILA

Vulnerability
All clustered villages are in high-risk areas located outside the

embankment
No cyclone shelters in the nearby clustered village
Inadequate number of shelters without the facility of water, light
and latrine.
Poor communication network.
River erosion has been severed in six southern villages of Nilganj
endangering the life of 10% population.
Lack of safe anchoring point nearby community endangering life of
fishermen, boat and equipment as well.
Risk of tidal surge increased due to lack of strong embankment
with raised height in the locality.
47
Killas (raised earthen mound for sheltering of cattle heads) are

being eroded due to
poor maintenance and repair and also lacking approach road.
Lack of awareness on disaster preparedness.
Capacities
10% population have access to safe sheltering in the privately own

stronger houses
The embankment, huge number of age old trees providing shelter
for the people struggling to find safe shelter during disaster
moment
DP related activities have been undertaken by some NGOs
Initial DP response and relief launched by the union parishad (union
council)
Existence of pro-active CPP volunteers and implementation of DP
activities, regular testing of warning system etc. round the year.
UDMC is in existence, drive to build up DP fund launched, people is
aware of the roles and responsibility of UDMC
New houses usually erected after raising the land
Recommendations:
Preventing erection of individual house, clustered village outside

embankment.
Enforcing policies and practices in the NGOs for distribution of wind

resistance stronger houses in the coastal area.
Putting in force a separate house code for the coast e.g. raising
earth platform 10 feet height from the ground level.
Reequipping CPP with warning accessories where needed.
Orienting school- college going students on DP, simple early

warning and evacuation system combination with awareness about
indigenous measures
Increasing number of cyclone shelter
Developing / improving roads and communication.
Planting trees across the embankment
Arranging radio, TV program on DP

48
Organizing open-air drama at community level
Distributing house building grant on loan
Implementing forestation outside embankment
Erecting temporary earthen barrier around sluice gate for

preventing intrusion of saline water in the dry season
Preventing river erosion where feasible
Increasing flow of sweet water in the canals by re-excavating

Pakhimara khal
Re-excavating ponds on the govt. land
Assisting fishermen by equipping them with life saving materials
Motivating people for using IPM
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
Issue of
Analysis
Seasonal Calendar Hazard and Livelihood of Nilganj Union
Cyclone
Tidal
Surge
Salinity
Draught
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
Issue of
Analysis
January
49
Heavy
Rainfall
Fishing
Cultivati
on
Harvesti
ng
High
Income
Low
Income
The time frame of cultivation and harvesting which is usually shown with
the help of seasonal calendar are mostly common in the all study areas.
The fishermen of Nilganj stated that fishing in general is done all over the
year. There are however, three coastal fishing periods in the year.
Majority fishermen stay at home during midsummer month such as May
to July. This is the most critical and hardship period for the fishing
community.
The aftermath effects of disaster on livelihood are mostly similar in all
target areas. But returning to normal livelihood practice varies from place
to place depending on nature of vulnerabilities. Adversities in some cases
prolonged to a longer period as such return to normal life is invariably
delayed and sometimes become impossible for the poor to cope with the
situation.
The differences so far been revealed in the workshop summarized
below:
Inclination to sharecropping considerably reduced due to increasing

expenses of
cultivation.
The wages of the labor has increased.
The prices of crops become less immediate after harvesting which
directly affecting marginalized farmer.
Availability of labors in agriculture declined sharply.
50
Migration trend increased.

Loss of capital
Lack of sufficient grass field makes the animal rearing more
difficult.
The late plantation of due to variation in climate affecting
production cycle.
Re excavation work is being delayed/ or disturbed due variation of
seasonal monsoon rain.
Disproportionate distribution of post disaster assistance affecting
agricultural
rehabilitation.

Change
Maximum hot days.
Dramatic increase of irregular rainfall.
Duration of drought is lingering.
Seasonal diversity prevails minimum temperature continued up to
March-April and maximum temperature continued up to Sept-Oct.
Increasing water level during high tide.
Increased the risk of damage to a number of crops by insects and
pest.
Salinity intensified.
Extinct of many natural fishes in the river.
Reason
Deforestation
Random use of harmful insecticide like Nitro
Plying of unfit vehicles increased emission
Brick field established in the residential areas
Population growth
Unplanned reclamation of water bodies through leasing system
Adaptation
Issue
s
Agricultu
re,
Fish
Hazards
Salinity, irregular
rainfall, excessive
rain, water
Adaptation
Repair sluice gate.

Re-excavation of canals.
Discouraging unplanned leasing of
51
logging, drought
govt. khash land (land belongs to

government).
Constructing connecting canal on
Pakhimara khal (in land water
way/cannel).
Using salinity resistance crop.
Plantation.
Discouraging use of firewood in the
brick fields
Encourage use of integrated pest
management (IPM).
Preventing catching shrimp.
Indigenous adaptation
Raising pond bank
Homestead plantation increased
Raising house plinth in newly
constructed
houses
Mosquito net is being used for the
livestock
5. Situation Analysis
The team has performed lots of FGD and survey in the target areas in
order to evaluate the current situation and need of the people of coastal
community. The overall situation is best expressed through different
perspective of: Hazards and disaster risk,
Climate change, livelihood, health and sanitation
Capacity DMC, CPP, NGOs
Capacity of implementing agencies such as RDF, WF specific focus
on climate change and disaster preparedness.
Most of the issues have been elaborated in the participatory workshops
the summary of which is put in detail in chapter four. The problem areas
are mostly common in the all target community.
The issues pertinent to this assessment have been elaborated here as a
background of recommendation.
5.1 Hazards and Disasters
52
The study areas constitute of Karaibari, Borobogi under Barguna district

and Tiakhali and Nilgang, under Potuakhali district are hazard prone and
economically backward. Frequent inundation due to rise in the peak
astronomical tide 2 to 3 feet in an average has become a common place.
These communities have also been under the constant threats of other
hazards like River erosion, salinity, heavy rain fall, and seasonal drought.
The history of disasters revealed that these localities did experience
severe cyclones in the year of 1965, 1970, 1991, 2007 (SIDR) and 2009
(AILA).
Among others Karaibaria (of Amtoli upazilla under Barguna district) is the
most affected union located adjacent to the breach point of the
protection embankment constructed in the year 1965.
On Nov/15, /2007 super cyclone SIDR landed across the south western
coast of Bangladesh with driving rain and high waves that affected total
30 districts including Barguna and Potuakhali. Heavy rains accompanying
cyclone with tidal waves and storm surge reached maximum height of
about 20 feet in certain areas causing extensive physical destruction,
casualties, damages of crops, livestock, and flooding low lying lands of
four target unions. The cyclones attained wind up to 222 km causing
further destruction to buildings, uprooting trees, destroyed houses and
other infrastructures.
According to the post cyclone report from the Ministry of Food and
Disaster Management huge number of death due to cyclone occurred
here. In these locations it was the associated coastal surge with high
velocity which devastated the aforementioned areas with destruction of
human and animal life, vegetation and agricultural land. During
assessment excessive rain fall due to depression caused irreparable loss
of fish production in almost all target areas.
Community vulnerability (general)
In the context of the above a comprehensive review was needed to
assess vulnerability and capacity of people of four target areas. The
consultant team with the help of different strategies and methods tried to
identify visible vulnerabilities and capacities of people to various hazards
and disasters that had already happened in the past and possibilities of
happening again.
Through threadbare discussions, interaction and sharing information the
team succeeded to identify some of the problem areas in the community
in respect to vulnerability to disasters.
53
These include;
The average people has been lacking understanding of internal

meaning of warning signal and not yet been properly aware of the
recent revision of signals.
Community level disaster preparedness in general is still at the
minimum acceptable
level.
Early warning not rapidly reached to the people of un reached and
un served areas
due to less access to TV and Radio at community level.
The number of cyclone shelters are not proportional to the number
of people
needing sheltering during disaster. On the other hand private safe
and strong houses /building is acutely lacking in almost all areas
studied by the team. As a result huge number of loss of life
occurred in the past disaster events. It happened in the most of the
places that after receiving warning signal in due time many people
including women, children, and elderly person could not squeezed
in to the shelters.
The coastal embankment mostly constructed in the mid sixty
loosing original height having a lot of breaches due to the effect of
tidal surges, manmade activities and erosion as well. These
breaches have been left un repaired since long due to which the
risk of flooding has been aggravated.
Intrusion of salty water increased due to lack of proper
maintenance of sluice gate.
Gradual decaying of coastal forestry is posing threats to
environmental degradation and eco system surrounding the target
areas.
Retention capacity of the canals connecting to river and estuaries is
decreased due
to constant alluvial deposition.
No special community care is available for women, children, disable
and elderly
people during emergency evacuation other than the supports
provided by their
respective family members.
Internal communication particularly in remote and char areas are in
a deplorable
condition making movement and emergency transportation of
goods and services
difficult.
54
Environmental degradation due to massive use of harmful

insecticides, chemical fertilizer causing loss of production in
general and decaying of soil quality in particular.
Capacities (at community level)
Mental strength, courage, and social interaction of the people.

Union, upazilla and district level disaster management committees
are functioning.
Publication and distribution of standing order for disaster.
CPP early warning dissemination activity spread over its command
areas including the upazilas of Barguna and Patuakhali districts
Some NGOs are engaged in Disaster Management activities.
Existence of cyclone shelter surrounding coastal areas.
Enforcement policies and practices of constructing School cum
cyclone shelter at the community level.
Existence of coastal embankment.
Local information network expanded because of availability of
mobile and other
electronic devices.
Killas (raised earthen mounds) have been constructed for
evacuation of cattle/ livestock.
5.2 Capacity DMC, CPP, NGOs

In order to enhance the DM capacity as a whole the following committees
have been formed under govt. order. The committees are:Union Disaster Management Committee
Union Disaster Management Committee (UDMC) is headed by the
chairman of union parishad (union council) the purpose of which is to
coordinate, review and implement the disaster management activities.
Union parishad in all target areas are found active and interested in
taking forward its role in the context of development. The Parishads are
willing to coordinate its efforts with the CPP volunteers and NGOs working
in the field of disaster, health and education and sanitation.
Union Disaster Management Committee seems active in all 04 unions. All
unions formed 36 members Disaster Management Committee and they
are holding regular meeting as per standing order and maintaining
resolution of the meeting. But there are gaps in the follow up of the
meeting decisions. The UDMC is very much interest to do for the
community but they have limitation of resources. Moreover UDMC of
55
Nilgonj introduces a disaster management fund and opened a bank

account to deposit money for facing immediate emergency period.
During emergency evacuation UDMC members play active role during
emergency response.
There is a proposal to constitute disaster management committee at
ward level. The field level committees have representation from the
NGOs, social organization and local government bodies apart from the
government department.
The roles and responsibilities have been clearly laid down in the standing
order for disasters which has been published and distributed to the head
of the respective committees.
Union disaster management committees are reconstituted as per SOD in
almost all unions under study by expanding the member from 18 to 36.
Upazilla Disaster Management Committee
Upazila Disaster Management Committee (UpDMC) is headed by
Upazilla Nirbahi Officer for coordinating and reviewing the disaster
management activities at the Upazilla level. During brief meeting with
the UNO of Amtoli and Kalapara Upazilla the team found that UNOs holds
disaster committee meeting, review activities and give policy guidelines
to respective dept. during, pre and post disaster situation. Good liaison
with the CPP, NGOs and other govt dept seemed to be maintained
properly. Apart from implementing disaster response, rehabilitation and
recovery local level DP activities of other agencies are reviewed,
monitored and supported by the UZDMC on regular basis. One of the
important tasks of UZDMC is to provide technical support to UDMC during
hazard events which have been reportedly done during the super cyclone
SIDR.
5.3 District Level DP/DR Capacity

Patuakhali Districts
Patuakhali district is located in the southern region in Bangladesh
separated by Barisl district in its north, Bay of Bengal and Barguna
district in the south, Tetulia River and Bhola lies in the east and Baguna
district in the west.
Patuakhali district has an area of 3,220.15 square kilometer having a
total population of 15, 57,137 (Male-7, 88,987 Female-7, 68,987) with
65% literacy rate. The district is composed of 8 Upazilas (Patuakhali
56
Sadar, Mirjaganj, Dumki, Baufal, Dashmina, Galachipa, Kalapara and

Rangabali) consisting of 882 villages with 55,000 acres of forest land. The
yearly mean temperature varies from highest 33.3 degree to lowest 12.1
degree Celsius with yearly average rainfall of 26.06 millimeter. The
average elevation (land height) varies from 3 meter to 3.5 meter from
the mean sea level. The main rivers flowing across the district are the
Lohalia, Paira, Lebukhali, Andhermanik, Agunmukha, Tetulia, Lowkathi
and Bura Gowrana.
Barguna District
Barguna district is located in the southern region of Bangladesh
separated by Patuakhali in the north and east, Bay of Bengal in the south
and Pirojpur district in the west.
Barguna district has an area of 1831 square kilometer having a total
population around 8,48,000 (Male-4,30,000, Female-4,18,000) with 74%
literacy rate. The district is composed of 5 Upazilas (Barguna Sadar,
Patharghata, Amtali, Betagi and Bamna) consisting of 74 unions and 560
villages. The main rivers flowing across the district are the Paira,
Bishkhali.
The assessment team interacted with different concerned govt.
departments in both Barguna and Patuakhali districts and gathered
following information:a) The District Disaster Management Committee (DDMC) is active and
operational with holding regular meetings as specified in the
Standing Orders for Disasters.
b) The respective DMCs deal with the issues DM/DR/Climate change
etc.
c) The district administration under the guidance of respective District
Commissioners (DC) usually monitors the implementation of
activities of concerned departments like Water Development Board,
LGED, Forest department, Health department etc. relating to
disaster preparedness and mitigation measures.
d) In case of formation of any cyclones in the Bay of Bengal, the DC
office control room opens automatically and functions round the
clock.
e) The district administrations maintain a good liaison with CPP and
ensure its activities in dissemination of warning signals, search and
rescue and so on
f) The assessment team witnessed a meeting conducted by the DC
Barguna at his office with the 76 Team Leders of CPP of Patharghata
and Amtali Upazilas on 11 October 2010 discussing on the status of
current preparedness measures like warning equipment, wireless
57
sets at the union level and coordination of CPP activities with other
NGOs working in the field level.
g) The respective District Commissioners ensures the activities of
Upazila and Union disaster management committees.
h) Other than the regular representation into the DMCs, the coordination meetings with the NGOs and district administration takes
place time to time.
i) The contingency planning is lacking in the district level.
j) The DC usually visits the respective Upazilas and Unions and
supervises the DP/DR activities.
k) It was revealed from the respective Water Development Boards
that there are 850 Kilometers long embankment (both coastal and
riverside) exists in the entire Barguna district and 1286 Kilometers
long embankment (both coastal and riverside) exists in the entire
Patuakhali district that was constructed in sixties and conjugative
years.
l) Due to the long use and constant effect of natural phenomenon like
rainfall, tidal surges, erosion, human activity etc. the height as well
as the outside/inside slops of the embankment deteriorated to a
considerable extent with several breaches mainly caused by the
huge tidal surges associated by the cyclonic storms.
m) The damage caused to the embankment by the super cyclone SIDR
in 2007 was partially repaired and the majority of the repair work
reported to be under process of the Water Development Board.
n) There are 204 cyclone shelters in different Upazilas of Patuakhali
district which are inadequate for the people living in high risk areas.
District Disaster Management CommitteeThe committee is headed by the Deputy Commissioner meets frequently
to review and coordinate disaster management activities of the district.
The initial interventions such as passing evacuation orders, monitoring
dissemination of warning signal, and keeping constant contact with the
focal person of CPP, Upazilla and union have been properly carried out by
the DDMC. It holds emergency /regular meeting with different disaster
related organizations, agencies, NGOs, CPP and particularly with water
development board, LGED, Health for taking appropriate decision and
measures for tackling disaster situation.
58
Recently the assessment team witnessed a meeting convened by the DC

of Barguna in early October exclusively with CPP volunteers and officers
to review and gear up warning dissemination activities which is seen by
many DM actors as an innovative work on the part of district
administration.
5.4 Health & Sanitation

In comparison to the other parts of the country the (family) health system
and services do not reach the common people. Most of the vulnerable
people cannot afford health services. Sufficient prevention and curative
services are not in place. In addition people still rely on superstition. The
family planning practices are yet to reach peoples mind. The impact of
climate change will fall disproportionately to the poor person of this
country. This will exacerbate existing inequities in health status and
access to adequate food, clean water and other resources. Millions of
people staying along the lowlying coastal areas are at a particular risk of
human health.
Supply of safe drinking water is extremely inadequate. Awareness on
general health and sanitation is low. Crisis of tube wells exists because
allocation on the parts of government does not meet demand, people
cannot afford to procure tube well by themselves. Water level is very low.
In recent years the Government and NGOs have tried many times to
explore the scope of deep tube well for irrigation but fails in all cases due
the high degree of salinity. Poor initiative in preserving water in canals
and other water bodies has aggravated the situation. Rain water
harvesting is not in practice.
The use of sanitary latrines on the other hand increased. One of the
survey reports revealed that in an average 51.5% population have been
using sanitary latrine in Bangladesh. Sanitary latrine coverage in Barguna
and Patuakhali raised up to 70%.
5.5 Livelihood
The most striking problems as mentioned earlier were economic
backwardness attributed by backward agricultural practice which is
common for all target unions. Intrusion of salty water in the agriculture
field has been aggravated in Kariarbari putting agriculture fully on natural
59
rain. Elderly people still considered agriculture as the major source of

livelihood of the coastal area.
Fishing is the most common income generating activities of all the unions
under study. Some households also dry fish in a small scale. However,
catching fish has been declined after SIDR due to lack of boat and fishing
net.
The people of four target unions are currently engaged in six type of
economic activities that enable them to earn income for their
subsistence; namely agriculture, fishing, small trades, service and selling
of labor on daily basis. In every study area it is roughly estimated that in
an average not exceeding 5% of total population are engaged in fishing.
Among them very few are able to afford big boat and other required
equipment such as fishing net for catching fish in the sea. The labor
community constitute of about 4055 %( varying in place to place)
people among those large number of people engaged in low key level
fishing which they sell in the village. Poor people used to do small scale
home based poultry farming before SIDR, but most of poultry birds have
been damaged by SIDR some sold and eaten up due to poverty.
Women group also found selling labor in the cash for work project
presently undertaken by a NGO. Though, fishing is shown as common
activity in all most all target areas and not an activity done by the women
excepting a few. Small grocery shops are available in the community.
Farming in general is a highly profitable activity due to availability of
market for this activity which is continues to be the same as before and
after severe disaster. Access to land equipment and availability of labor
has become very low. The reason for loss of access to land is that huge
land nearby river has been eroded previously used for farming. Though
land is available in other areas it is not appropriate for farming due to
salinity, lack of salinity resistance crop, government initiative to protect
land from intrusion of saline water by properly regulating sluice gate,
erection of short lasted/ temporary embankment on the broken
embankment and sluice gate.
Hazards and livelihood are intermingled. Seeking to explore the
differences of livelihood in pre and post disaster, the team went on for a
short exercise with participant of four workshops and found that lots of
changes occurred in the livelihood of all walks of live including ultra poor;
which are clearly mentioned in the workshop report put in chapter one.
Among those migration is common in all areas. It is reported that 1to 2
male person from each of 4055% ultra poor family has been migrated
or displaced for employment leaving their women and children
unattended in the hazard prone community.
60
5.6 Climate Change

One of the recent research papers claimed that of the 16 countries listed
as being at extreme risk from climate change over the next 30 years
Bangladesh has been adjudged in the first place. Poor people, farmers,
farm worker, the land less and fishermen will be affected most by the
climate change.
During field assessment in the 4 target unions communitys attention
was drawn on climate change issue in order to explore the general
understanding and perception of community people about the change
focusing to its impact and whether they thought of taking any measures
adapting to the change.
The findings of climate change followed by the workshop exercises
revealed that;
Unnatural variation of temperature is happening silently. These

unnatural events resulted less rainfall and increasing warming. It is
quite unlikely in weather condition of Bangladesh for last many
years causing prevalence of diseases like heat stroke, dehydration,
and diarrhea to a great extent.
Excessive rainfall aggravated inundation leading to massive

intrusion of saline water from sea.
The variation of average quantity and irregularities of precipitation

have led to drought situation. As such there it has enough reason to
bring dimensional change in the field of farming and harvesting. In
order to cope with the changing situation traditional farmers need
to be adapted with diversified crop production in consistent with
changing weather cycle.
Untimely and prolonged fog and mist raised serious concern for all
walks of life. The community people have already started to
experience its adverse effect in many ways. The production of
crops and fruits are being directly affected and human health is
apprehended to have negative impact.
Peoples life and profession evolved in harmony with the cycle of

six seasons in Bangladesh. But now a days community people
perceive that the cycle lost their specific characteristics. According
to them only few seasons normally visit as per the cycles and other
are not clearly identified. In course of these cycle people are being
adapted with new profession and life style. As many tributaries and
other wet land dried up and underwent reclamation, so fishing,
61
agriculture and water transportation significantly lost economic

viability.
With the change of climate cycle health situation of pro poor can
never be claimed to be out of vulnerability. Growth of mosquitoes,
insects and viruses constantly causing different diseases (viral
fever, malaria, dengue, diarrhea, skin diseases, respiratory tract
infection, dehydration etc). Particularly poor people of the
community cant afford timely and accurate treatment to different
ailment loosing body immunity against the diseases. Ultimately it
increases mortality rate, malnutrition and birth of underweight
babies.
There is growing evidence that the people of coastal community is
also struggling with poverty, high dependence on agriculture.
Inundation of large coastal areas might be occurred because of
rising sea level. It will have adverse effects on distribution and
density of population, livelihood, natural resources and ecological
balance. This phenomenon will ultimately lead to large scale
displacement, migration and in those cases more people will be
compelled to take shelter in risky and inhabitable locations.
Unstable habitation and profession of displaced and migrated
people largely responsible for degradation of environment and
ecology. This situation will contribute to worsen poverty,
unemployment, social unrest and other crisis. Influx of people will
occur in urban areas squatting already existing problem.
The impact of climate change on women and children can be very

different from the impact on men. Women headed households of
coastal community in case of displacement survive in abject
poverty and inhuman condition. Children lack physical strength and
of practical skill such as being able to swim can prevent from
getting to places of safety. Childrens are highly vulnerable
especially if they have lost parents or become separated from
them.
It is very likely that this century is expected to see warming quicker

than at any time in the past. The climate change will have a variety
of impacts. Inevitable impact will be a rise in sea level, more
drought, inundation, salinity, water shortage and increased threats
to human health. We cannot prevent climate change altogether so
we must adapt.
The key strategy in dealing with the uncertainties of climate

change is to enhance existing disaster preparedness activities,
which minimize current disaster risks. For this improvement upon
the disaster preparedness effort, disaster risk reduction is the most
62
important to reduce vulnerability to extreme weather events. Low

lying coast lines must plan now for the effect of sea level rise.
Coastal zones need to be protected from erosion and tidal surge.
Mangrove reforestation can protect coast from destructive power of
high waves, saving lives and improving livelihood. At the same
time, reducing people vulnerability to drought by investing in
rainwater harvesting and improving the use of early warning
system could be the long term strategy for the coastal areas.
In order to start reducing the risk associated with climate change, action
needs to be taken now by all actors including govt, national and
international NGOs.
This study recommends the following steps to be prioritized in respect of
enhancing climate change adaptation;
Accurate forecasting of climate change---through monitoring of

weather, precipitation/ rain fall, health hazards relating to weather,
degradation of environment and ecology, socio-economic impact.
Risk assessmentthrough collecting data on how climate change

posing threats and how risk factors are understood by the people
and capacity to reacting.
Increase public awareness through education

publication, dissemination and networking.
Providing basic services such as water and sanitation in strategic

location where sources of pure drinking water reduced to an
alarming level.
Supporting local drought, salinity, affected communities by

establishing new micro financing system that facilitates sustainable
economic enterprises.
Using community based approach promoting community based

early forecasting system of climate change, creation of partners for
a comprehensive risk reduction intervention to minimize adverse
effects of climate change hazards.
Expand health and educationclimate related issues ,proper

utilization of water and other resources, conservation of natural
resources, support students, school, with brochure/ journal/ website
report and climate change on global warming update.
and
training,
63
5.7 NGO Activities:

The team has found that the following international and local NGOs are
providing services to the people:
Karaibaria Union: RDF, ASA, Grameen Bank, Sangram, Shusilan, Save
the Children USA, ADRA, CARITAS, Sankalpa Trust and others.
Among those NGOs a few are assisting the vulnerable people of the union
for disaster preparedness; most of the NGOs are working in micro credit.
Some of them are also helping people in health and hygiene, DP & DRR
and preparing and repairing road and houses.
It has been found that after SIDR a five members response team was
formed in the union without CPP volunteer. Relief materials usually
reached to the affected people late because of bad communication.
Barabogi Union: RDF, Rupantar, BRAC, Plan Bangladesh, Grameen
Bank, Sangram, Shusilan, Save the Children USA, ADRA, CARITAS,
Sankalpa Trust and others.
Among the NGOs Rupantar has been providing training to the UDMC
members and local government to enhance their DP/ DRR capacities.
Rupantar has taken efforts to hold UDMC meeting on regular with
necessary supports.
Tiakhali Union: Wave Foundation, ASA, Uddipan, KODEC, Islamic Relief,
RDF, Rupantar, SSDP, BRAC, Grameen Bank, Sangram, Shusilan, Save the
Children USA, CARITAS are working in this union since long.
Nilgonj Union: Wave Foundation, ASA, Uddipan, KODEC, Muslim Aid,
RDF, Rupantar, SSDP, BRAC, Grameen Bank, Speed Trust, Shusilan, Save
the Children USA, CARITAS have been involved in different projects since
long.
Rupantar:
The Rupantar, from its inception in 1992 was intensively involved in
disaster preparedness and disaster risk reduction. It has established its
Regional Office in Barguna in 2008. The Rupantar is recognized for raising
awareness on DP/DRR through applying traditional techniques. Since
2002, it has been carrying out a project titled Improving Local Level
Governance (ILLG) with the support of USAID in 210 Unions and four
Municipalities in south and southwest 10 districts of Bangladesh including
38 unions in Barguna Sadar & municipality, Amtali, Patharghata, Bamna
and Betagi Upazilas. Under the program, Rupantar provided certain
64
motivational orientation and training to the members of the respective

Disaster Management Committees at the Union, Upazila and District
level. The impact of the Rupantar,s endeavor in good governance and
effective DP was largely recognized by the members of the respective
DMCs. The respective DMC members were found well motivated and
much more proactive in holding regular meetings. The organization has
several publications on various issues relating to community
development.
Sangram:
The Sangram was established in 1985 with the aim to improve the socio
economic development of the disadvantaged vulnerable people of the
coastal belt of Bangladesh. The organization has been implementing
various community based programs like:
Vulnerable Group Development (VGD) funded by WFP
Disaster Risk Reduction project funded by concern Worldwide
Village Sanitation Center
Disaster Relief and Rehabilitation
Construction of earthen mounds (Killa) for sheltering cattle heads
Forestation program funded by WFP, ADB, DoF
Disaster Credit Program supported by PKSF
The response activity of Sangram after the Sidr was a massive including
construction of 7500 houses in different Upazilas in Barguna district. It
has already supported 8 Upazilas in formulating disaster contingency
plan. In respect of climate change adaptation, the Sangram in the field of
agriculture had supported the farmers with the saline resistant rice and
vegetable seed in Barguna and distributed 50,000 palm tree saplings in
Patherghata Upazila. Its Mother Health and Child Care (MCHC) Program
has been kept continued in Kalapara Upazila. The Sangram is intensively
involved in vulnerable group feeding (VGD) program in different unions of
Barguna district.
Action Aid Bangladesh:
The Action Aid initiated a project called Climate Change Adaptation in
March 2008 through its partner organization Speed Trust in five villages in
Lalua union of Kalapara Upazila. The project formed nine groups involving
the people of poor community and performed several activities like:
creating awareness on climate change issues among the group members,
orientation to the group members on climate change, rain water
harvesting, cash for work program for the group members, installing 128
sanitary latrines on raised platforms and installing six deep tube wells.
Caritas:
65
The Caritas has been involved in DP/DR and community development

activities in Kalapara. It has constructed some 41 cyclone shelters and
eight shelters are under construction in different unions of Kalapara
Upazila. Cyclone Shelter Management Committees has been formed in
all 41 shelters. The Caritas has formed union based volunteers in Tiakhali
union and provided some megaphones for disseminating cyclone warning
signals. The volunteers perform their duties in maintaining coordination
with the local CPP. The Caritas also supported some 100 poor families for
alternative livelihood.
Plan Bangladesh:
The Plan Bangladesh initiated a project called Early Childhood Care
Development (ECCD) in Naltona Union in Barguna Sadar Upazila after
the SIDR. Total 12 community groups and 12 child groups were formed
including the activities like capacity building, household preparedness,
orientation on warning signals, child centered disaster risk reduction
involving the school teachers, performing weekly meetings, ToT for the
local youths and teachers, provide first aid training etc.
Resource Development Foundation (RDF):
RDF was established in 1993 initially working with micro credit programs.
Gradually they have extended their initiatives to other activities like:
Women development through agro activities,
Community based fish cultivation,
Distribution of food (lunch) to the school children, school sanitary
program in 35 schools,
Sinking of deep tube well etc.
RDF has constructed two storied two cyclone shelters one at
Raihanpur in Patharghata and another at Naltona at Barguna Sadar
with accommodating capacity of 1000 people each.
RDF also working with girls student who cannot effort to continue
school studies due to financial difficulties
Providing training in different IGA programs.
They are also helping 650 poor cultivators under Coastal Area
Rehabilitation Program ( CARP) and providing cash for work,
agricultural rehabilitation and income generating activities in
Barobogi and Karaibaria union of Barguna District. RDF has
installed a massive solar panel for irrigation purpose in Barguna
with a cost of Taka 38 lac and plan to construct more.
66
They have constructed two wind resistant houses in Ayla Patakata

union in Barguna district and have a plan to construct more in other
areas under DP program.
RDF has provided First Aid training to its beneficiaries of cash for
work project of Karaibaria and Barabogi Unions.
RDF also introduced environment friendly cooking woven (Chula).
RDF has a stable establishment in Barguna Sadar with good office
facilities along with training center.
Findings:
1. The RDF involved in diversified community development programs
and activities with a small initiative on DP and very little focus on
climate change issues.
2. They are implementing programs involving the poor and
marginalized people the community in Karaibaria and Barabogi
Unions of Amtali Upazila.
3. The cash for work program as implemented in Karaibaria and
Barabogi Unions of Amtali Upazila is effective for the poor women
of the community in their hardship period as well as a service to
restore public communication.
4. The RDF has a good reputation and acceptance in the communities.
5. They maintain good cooperation and coordination with local govt.
authorities.
6. The under construction multistoried building of RDF will help them
to undertake further programs as well as it will be a stable source
of income generation.
7. Most of the field level staffs are appeared to be skilled.
Overall Recommendations: The RDF needs to focus more on
DP/DRR/Climate issues in their future projects/programs. The coordination
mechanisms with other NGOs need to be strengthened further. The staffs
of RDF need further training especially on climate change and
adaptation, DP/DRR and its related issues.
Wave Foundation
Wave Foundation, a voluntary non-governmental organization was
established in Chuadanga in 1990 with a view to help poor people
through IG and promoting women and children rights. Presently the
organization is working in 15 districts in Bangladesh including seven
villages of Tiakhali and Nilganj Union under Patuakhali District. It has
been implementing programs for empowering women, risk reduction,
livelihood & income generation etc.
67
With the assistance of GTZ, the Wave Foundation has initiated Coastal
Area Rehabilitation Project (CARP) in Tiakhali and Nilganj unions of
Kalapara Upazila with one year duration ending May 2011. The main
purpose of the project is to help rehabilitate local people and empower
them to cope with disaster situation caused due to natural calamities and
climate changes. Under this project Wave Foundation is working on
livelihood, community disaster preparedness and development of local
infrastructure involving 700 families as beneficiaries in Tiakhali and
Nilganj Unions.
Findings:
The Assessment Team interacted with the official of Wave Foundation
at their office in Kalapara and found that1. They have an independent and good office building in Kalapara.
2. 08 regular and 02 part time Officials to implement the Coastal Area
Rehabilitation Project (CARP). Few of them are trained in DP/DRR.
8. Wave Foundation is mainly working in Livelihood and allied
Programs in different districts with a very few focus on climate
change and DP activities.
9. They are implementing a plantation program in Nilganj and Tiakhali
Unions.
10.
They have good communication with Union Parisad (union
council) bodies but seem to need further improvement in
organizing programs and community mobilization.
11.
Most of the field level staffs are local.
Overall Recommendations: The staffs of wave Foundation need further
training on different skill development along with the specific issues like
climate change and adaptation knowledge, disaster preparedness/
disaster risk reduction etc.
5.8 Cyclone Preparedness Program (CPP)

The Cyclone Preparedness Program (CPP) was established by Bangladesh
Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) with the cooperation of International
Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in 1972 with
the goal to minimize loss of lives and properties in cyclonic disasters by
strengthening the capacity of in disaster management of the coastal
people of Bangladesh. The initial program constituted with over 20,000
well trained and equipped volunteers represented at the Unit, Union and
Upazila level committees of the program. Cyclone prone costal Upazilas
were connected with HF and VHF radio network.
68
The GOB recognized the CPP in 1973 and agreed to bear the recurrence
expenses of the program through formulation of Policy Committee and
Implementation Board based on the following recognized activities:
Disseminate cyclone warning signals issued by the Bangladesh
Meteorological department to the community people.
Assist people in taking shelter.
Rescue the distressed people affected by the cyclone.
Provide First Aid to the injured people.
Assist in relief and rehabilitation efforts.
Assist in the implementation of BDRCS disaster preparedness plan.
Since its inception in 1972, the CPP encountered numerous cyclonic
disasters and fulfilled its mandates successfully in saving lives and
properties of hundreds of thousands of coastal people.
At present the current command area of CPP spreading over in 3281
Units of 321 Unions of 37 Upazilas under 13 Districts with a total of
49215 volunteers including 16405 female. The radio network consists of
96 VHF and 34 HF stations.
The position of CPP in four targeted Unions is as follows:
Upazila
Amtali
Union
Unit
Volunt
eers
(Male)
Voluntee
rs
(Total)
140
Volunte
ers
(Female
)
70
Karaiba
14
Barabo
20
200
100
300
Tiakhali
Nolganj
15
18
150
180
75
90
225
270
210
ria
gi
Kalapara
The Assessment Team interacted with the CPP Officials at the

Zonal/Upazila level and Team Leaders/volunteers at the Union/Unit level
and revealed the following findings:
The CPP volunteers at the community level are recruited as per

volunteers recruitment criteria and the registration of all
volunteers done at the Unit level in both Amtali and Kalapara
Upazilas.
Since 1973, the CPP plays a crucial role in dissemination of
cyclone warning signals, assisting people to move to safe places
on evacuation orders, search and rescue of the cyclone victims,
provide First Aid services to the injured people, assist in relief and
recovery efforts after the disasters etc.
69
The CPP volunteers training mechanism is not dynamic one. The

training of nearly 40,000 volunteers based in remote coastal areas
is a complex task and the training gaps from one to another
usually prolong several years. In Kalapara, after a long gap the
volunteers training on Search and Rescue, First Aid and Basic-CPP
was conducted for 800 volunteers (out of 2100) in 2009-2010 with
the assistance of Save the Children.
Over 80% of the field level volunteers warning equipment like
megaphones, transistor radios, signal lights and hand-sirens were
found out of order in four targeted Unions of Amtali and Kalapara
Upazils.
In the event of super cyclone SIDR, the volunteers used the mike
of the mosques for dissemination of warning signals.
The coordination of CPP with other NGOs working at the grass root
level was found inadequate.
The performance evaluation (event wise or yearly) of CPP was
found lacking.
The mass awareness raising activities of CPP reduced to minimum
level.
Within the situation of huge logistical challenges, the CPP is
capable in finding alternative solutions to fulfilling its emergency
tasks and operations.
The CPP is well organized, respected and excepted by the
community for its continuous humanitarian efforts.
6. General Findings
1. The coastal unions namely Karaibaria, Barabogi, Tiakhali and
Nilganj are located in a low-lying high risk area prone to destructive
natural phenomenon like cyclone, storm surge, high tidal surge,
intrusion of saline water from the sea, river erosion, nor-western
etc.
2. The population of four unions have experienced cyclones and other
hazards events that hit the coast in the past causing a colossal
damage of property and loss of life and possibility of occurring the
same is acute.
3. The people of target areas destined to live with disasters and its
adverseness of the nature.
4. The climate change is happening affected the weather pattern as
well as the natural hazards in its intensification and occurrence.
5. The visual sea level rise and intrusion of saline water impacting
adversely on the livelihood of the coastal population.
6. Communities capability for adaptation to the climate change
impacts seems quite inadequate mainly due to lack of awareness,
appropriate knowledge and knowhow.
70
7. Majority of population of target union lives on agriculture and

fishing and generally remained unskilled in alternative livelihoods.
8. People residing outside of the embankment and low lying char
areas are particularly vulnerable to cyclone and tidal surge. Most of
the Asrayon (clustered village projects) located outside of the
embankment in all the four unions.
9. Majority of community people do not understand the internal
meaning of cyclone warning signals but could realize the gravity of
situation with the rise of signal numbers. The cyclone warning
signals for riverine and maritime ports often creates confusion.
10.
The revised version of the cyclone warning signals made by
the GoB has not been officially announced or circulated to the
coastal population.
11.
The signal flag posts are found inadequate in the target
areas.
12.
In Barabogi union, there are 109 mosques out of which 60
mosques have PA system (mike) and were mostly used for
dissemination of warning signals in the event cyclone SIDR and
AILA.
13.
Many Imams (religious leader) of the mosques are not
properly motivated or oriented in using mike for dissemination of
cyclone warning signals.
14.
The family level preparedness measures found minimum
acceptable level.
15.
The tendency to go to shelter increased after SIDR.
16.
Women, children, disable and elderly people are assisted by
the family member during sheltering. In some instance that CPP
volunteers helped them to go to safer places.
17.
The most of the deep sea fishing trawler used to keep
transistor radios for listening weather broadcast.
18.
In general cyclone shelters are inadequate and most of the
existing ones lack safe access route.
19.
Only one cyclone shelter exists in Karaibaria union which is
presently supplemented by seven schools cum cyclone shelters.
20.
The Local Govt. Engineering department (LGED) of Barguna
district has facilitated construction of 67 schools cum cyclone
shelters out of which 32 shelters were constructed in Betagi Upazila
alone.
21.
Most of the cyclone shelters have Shelter Management
Committees but the committees not able to maintain, repair and
renovate shelter as and when required.
22.
GoB has initiated a project to convert the coastal schools into
school cum cyclone shelters.
23.
There are 77 numbers of schools cum cyclone shelters
constructed in different upazilas in Patuakhali districts.
71
24.
The private buildings are extremely scarce in the
communities.
25.
Unions internal mud roads are in deplorable condition which
impedes the community people to move faster to the shelter during
emergency.
26.
In general the NGOs are involved in micro credit program and
only a few have DP/DRR and climate change programs.
27.
The Disaster Management Committees at Union, Upazila and
District level found active and functional.
28.
The contingency plan at the Union, Upazila and District level
were found mostly absent excepting in some unions where the
plans were drafted by some NGOs.
29.
The tendency to use transistor radio by community people
has greatly reduced due to incapability to purchase dry cell
batteries.
30.
Access to TV in the remote village areas is very less.
31.
The use of mobile phone increased tremendously which
helped quick transmission of information.
32.
The rain water harvesting is not in practice, people are
unaware of its system and technology.
33.
Electricity coverage is limited in the target unions.
34.
Very few households use solar panel for light.
35.
About 2100 kilometer long coastal embankment in Barguna
and Patuakhali districts
built during sixties and over the years
have deteriorated in its height and slopes to a great extent and
numbers of breaches appeared due to the effect of cyclone, storm
surge, regular astronomical tide, erosion, manmade activities etc.
36.
The repair system of embankment is slow, time consuming
and complex one as the breaches caused by the super cyclone
SIDR in 2007 could not be fully repaired even by October 2010.
37.
Forestry in the outer slopes of the embankment and its
maintenance is the responsibility of the forest Department but the
plantation on the outer slopes of embankment was found very less.
38.
In Karaibaria union there was a long breach on embankment
caused by the super cyclone SIDR resulted in massive intrusion of
saline water, damaging agricultural production led to large scale
unemployment and migration for finding other sources of income.
39.
No high ground available for sheltering the cattle heads in
Karaibaria union.
40.
There exists numerous internal cannels in four target unions
connected to the estuary and big rivers the flow of water is
controlled by the sluice gates; as most of the sluice gates were out
of order, the intrusion of saline water spreading
over and
damaging the agricultural land.
72
41.
The cannels are mostly silted by alluvial deposition and the
catchment area greatly condensed loosing capacity for containing
water.
42.
Before the super cyclone SIDR, about 80% of the households
were using sanitary latrines.
43.
There is a policy for insurance of life but such policy has been
absent in insuring crops, cattle head, houses destroyed by disaster.
44.
The Killas (earthen mounds) for sheltering of cattle heads are
inadequate in the target four unions.
45.
NGOs coverage on school level DP/DRR programs in the
target unions is limited.
46.
The community harmonies in the target unions found sound
and the minority groups were enjoying equal rights and facilities.
47.
Lack of provision for storing of essential and valuable
materials in the shelter place.
48.
The Khutar Char at Karaibaria union covering around 4 sq.km
area inhabited by 6ooo people completely unprotected due to lack
of embankment.
49.
Vulnerable Group Development (VGD) program is ongoing in
all study areas.
50.
Cash for work program by RDF has been undertaken in
Karaibaria and Boro Bogi unions repairing roads and culvert slop in
different places participated by the poor women folk.
51.
The Union Disaster Management Committee in Nilganj has
established Disaster Emergency Fund by its own initiatives.
52.
With the initiative of Caritas the ward level Disaster
Management Committee (WDMC) was formed comprising 09
members (male-6 and female-3) who were provided with necessary
training.
53.
With the initiative Caritas Disaster Emergency Fund (DEF) has
been raised to Tk-21,700 in Barabogi union.
54.
Total 46 cyclone shelters exist in Barabogi union including 30
schools cum cyclone shelters.
55.
500 households of Boro Amkhola, 500 households of Tetul
Baria and 600 households of Nishan Baria villages of Barobagi
union could not take shelters because of their remoteness and bad
communication.
56.
The NGOs working in the target four unions were-RDF, Wave
Foundation, Caritas, Sangkalpa, Rupantar, Save the Children, Plan
Bangladesh, speed Trust, Gramin Bank, Muslim Aid, ASA, Sangram
etc.
57.
The overall response mechanism in the target unions after
the super cyclone SIDR was good but proper coordination
hampered the relief and rehabilitation efforts time to time.
73
58.
The instances of personal endeavor in relief effort were also
demonstrated immediately after the super cyclone SIDR in Tiakhali
and Karaibaria unions.
59.
Use of chemical fertilizers and insecticides degrading the
environment and fertility of soil.
60.
Due to use of insecticides particularly Nitro resulted in killing
of huge poultry along with other species like frogs, snakes etc.
61.
The community level health facilities were found greatly
lacking and the people depends on the village quakes.
62.
The unusual increase of mosquitoes and other insects
degrading the health situation.
63.
The continuity of the activities of the NGOs seems to be
inadequate and ends before achieving its objectives.
64.
Discontinuation of service of care taker for sluice gates
resulted in illegal fishing by trespasser.
65.
Many people used to take loan from NGOs micro credit
scheme enforcing them to left village to avoid debt liability.
66.
The cattle rearing practices decreased due to shortage of
animal foods.
67.
The internal cannels are not supposed to be leased out but
the local govt. authorities sometimes initiate the leasing process for
fishing caused damage of the sluice gates.
68.
Most of the cyclone shelters lacking latrines, light and water
facilities.
69.
The medical teams are used to form by the health
department and put into operation following all major disasters.
7. Recommendations
1. Raising of mass awareness activities on DP/DRR using locally suited
methods and media should be stressed and under taken
continuously by all concerned.
2.
Reconstruction
of
embankments
maintaining
standard
specification (height and slopes) and repair of breaches should be
undertaken.
3. Internal canals should be re-excavated through cash for work
program facilitating regular water flow, irrigation, increasing
retention capacity, and employment opportunity as well.
4. Maintenance of the embankment including minor repair, turfing,
plantation, protection should be undertaken involving communities
with a provision of appreciation, reward for their performance.
5. Followed by field survey numbers of sluice gate may be increased
including with necessary repair of the existing ones need to be
materialized.
74
6. Massive aforestation particularly on the outer slope of the

embankment needs to be undertaken in coordination with the
forest department, local govt. The NGOs may be involved in this
process.
7. The position of caretaker needs to be reinstated for proper
maintenance of sluice gates.
8. Orientation, training and motivation of members of the disaster
management committee at all level should be geared up.
9. Ward level disaster management committees should be formulated
in cooperation with the disaster management committee and DMB
as demonstrated by Caritas at Barobogi Union of Amtoli Upazila.
10.
Cyclone shelter of smaller size preferably closer to the
communities should be constructed and the access routes to the
existing cyclone shelters need to be renovated.
11.
A provision of special house building scheme/loan can be
introduced in the high risk area based on a model of locally suited
wind resistant and elevated house. The provision will facilitate the
neighboring people in taking shelter during the emergencies and
will reduce the demand for more cyclone shelters.
12.
The UDMC (union disaster management committees) should
be motivated to build up disaster emergency fund as already done
in Nilgonj union of Kalapara upazila and Barabogi union of Amtoli
upazilla.
13.
The NGOs (donor) involve in implementing DP/DRR program
in the communities should be encouraged to continue the program
until its objective is achieved.
14.
Mass awareness raising activities is required for discouraging
use of harmful chemical, fertilizer and insecticides and to be
replaced by environmental friendly fertilizer and insecticides like
IPM.
15.
The revised version of cyclone warning signals should be
circulated to the public.
16.
The religious leaders at community level should be further
oriented/ trained for exercising their role for disseminating of
cyclone signals during routine religious addresses in the mosque.
17.
Encourage, motivate and trained the community in rain water
harvesting system.
18.
Community Radio station should be established at the
strategic location of the coastal region for educating the
community people on DP/DRR and climate change.
19.
Provision of supporting community people for installation of
solar panel for generating electricity at household level.
20.
The provision of safe drinking water, sanitation, and storage
facilities (the important materials of evacuee) should be provided in
the shelters. Measures should also be applied for the existing
shelters by taking renovation work where needed.
75
21.
Internal roads in the communities should be converted into
concrete/ metal roads.
22.
Skill development training/orientation particularly for the
poor people in the community should be undertaken for enhancing
knowledge of cattle rearing, kitchen gardening, poultry, fish culture,
small scale nurturing, house hold plantation, handicrafts, small
trading etc. The NGOs can play vital role in this field.
23.
School package program on DP/DRR/climate change should
be undertaken in the coastal school. The NGOs can support the
process.
24.
Orientation/training to the fisherman folk needs to be
conducted on a regular basis with motivation to carry transistor
radios/life buoys in fishing boats and trawlers.
25.
Special ID cards can be introduced for the fisherman to
ascertain the identity in case they are driven to surrounding
countries by storm/tidal surge etc.
26.
Introduce and popularize the wind-up transistor radios (the
radio does not require dry cell batteries to operate) to the
communities.
27.
The coordination mechanism of the NGOs should be
strengthened.
28.
NGOs activities should be focused more on DP/DRR/climate
change issues.
29.
The CPP should be strengthened by providing regular training
to its volunteers, replacing disorder warning equipment, increase
new units along with signal flag posts, introduce signal light system
etc.
30.
The CPP should introduce a performance evaluation system
followed by every disaster events.
31.
The CPP should coordinate with the NGOs working in its
respective areas.
32.
The Asrayan projects (clustered village projects) are located
mostly outside of the embankment; to reduce their vulnerability
they may be relocated to safer places or provided with multistoried
buildings.
33.
Salinity resistant crops and vegetables should be introduced
to the farmers of the saline prone areas.
34.
Community health service/clinics with required facilities
should be expanded to the remote villages.
35.
Some deep tube wells are required to be installed particularly
in remote villages.
36.
The youth groups of the communities should be encouraged
in forming social clubs and involve more in social services.
37.
A motivational campaign should include the importance of
rising of house plinth/latrine/tube well platform/bank of the ponds
etc. for coping with the tidal surge and rise of water.
76
38.
The contingency plan for the union, upazila, and district
should be formulated. The NGOs may support the process.
39.
More earthen mounds (Killa) for sheltering of cattle heads
need to be built.
Persons Interviewed and Consulted

Designation
Area Manager
Area Manager
Exec. Director
8
9
10
11
12
Name
Mr. Al- Amin
Mr. Asfaqur Rahman
Mr. Chowdhury Md.
Masum
Mr. Sagir Khan
Mr. Masud Sikdar
Md. Yousuf
Munshi Md. Golam
Mostafa
Mr. Md. Zahirul Islam
Mr. S.M. Akbar Hossain
Mr. Baki Chowdhury
Mr. Golam Mostafa
Mr. Md. Nurullah
13
14
Mr. Joydev
Mr. Md. Zakir Hssain
Unit team leader

Secretary
15
Asstt. Director
Asstt. Director
Field Supervisor
Training Officer
RDF, Barguna
Rupantar
Rupantar
19
Mr. Mosarraf Hossain

Khan
Mr. Anamul Haque
Mr. B.M.A. Salam
Mr. Parimol Kumar
Karmakar
Mr. Zahirul Islam
Sangram, Karoibaria
Sangram
Sangram, Barguna
Barguna Red
Crescent
Barguna
LGED, Barguna
LGED, Barguna
LGED, Barguna
Sangram,Taltoly
Branch
CPP, Barobogi Unin
Barobogi Union
Parisad
BDRCS, Barguna
Admin. Officer
20
Mr. Md. Shiful Islam
Administrative Officer
21
Mr. Shahnawaz Whara
22
Md. Abdul Malek Sikdar
Deputy Area
Coordinator
Chairman
23
CMFP
24
25
26
27
Mr. Uttam Kumar

Mondal
Mr. Towfiqur Rahman
Mr. S M Abdus Salam
Mr. Sakhawat Hossain
Mr. Bissasar Haldar
Save the Children,

USA
Plan Bngladesh,
Barguna
Plan Bngladesh,
Barguna
Tiakhali Union
Parisad
CARITAS, Kalapara
28
29
30
Mr. Muhammed Moshiur

Mr. Arifur Rahman
Mr. Ahmed Towhidul
Upazila Nirbahi Officer

Asstt. Oficer, Livlihood
Asst. Research Officer
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
16
17
18
Manager
Officer
Dy. Director
Secretary
Upazila Nirbahi Officer
Execuive Engineer
Asstt. Engineer
Sub-Asstt. Engineer
Manager
NDC & DRRO

Executive Engineer
Sr. Asstt. Engineer
Chief Engineer
Organization
ASA
ASA
Sangram
Patuakhali
LGED, Patuakhali
LGED, Patuakhali
Public Health,
Patuakhali
Amtali, Barguna
Action Aid, Amtali
Action Aid, Amtali
77
31
Imam
Mr. Qamruzzaman
Chairman
32
Mr. Azizur Rahman
Project Coordinator
33
Mr.Md. Siddiqur
Rahman
Mr. Gazi Ear Ali
Exec. Engineer
34
35
36
Mr. Munshi Nur

Mohammed
Mr. Asaduzzaman
37
38
Mr. Hafiz
Mr. ABM Golam Haidar
Nilu
39
40
Mr. Moslem Ali Khalifa

Mr. Nasir Uddin Mollah
Sub-Divisional
Engineer
Asstt. Director
Asstt. Director
Zonal Officer
Ex. Scy.BDRCS,
Barguna Unit and CPP
Team Leader
Chairman
Chairman
Nilganj Union
Parisad
Wave Foundation,
Kalapa
BWDB, Patuakhali
WDB, Barguna
CPP, Kalapara,
Patuakhali
CPP, Amtali,
Barguna
CPP, Barguna
CPP, Barguna
BRDB
Koraibaria Union
Parisad

Assessment

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0

Report on Disaster/Climate Change

Association for Disaster Mitigation and

Assessment Report, GTZ/ November 2010

Assessment Report, GTZ/ November 2010

District Relief and

World Food Program

Assessment Report, GTZ/ November 2010

Union Parishad (Union

Small village canal

Kharif-2 Aman Paddy

The German Government is assisting Bangladesh in development sectors

1.1 Assessment Team

1.2 The Aim of the Assessment

Assess the climate change awareness/disaster preparedness at

Review the activities of governmental institution (e.g. DMC) and

Review of the climate change / disaster preparedness experience of

Document community level indigenous adaptation (climate change

Provide recommendations for future program interventions relating

1.3 Key Issues Identified

While four workshops in four unions are completed and followed by

Despite of being disaster prone and acute vulnerabilities the

Though the involvement of NGOs on the ground has increased in

Climate change is happening and likely to lead more rainfall,

The eventual outcome of workshops along with detail findings and

Organized 3-day workshop in each target union with participation of

The workshop dealt with the issues of disaster preparedness

Consultative meeting with local authorities including district

Assessment Report, GTZ/ November 2010

Bangladesh is extremely vulnerable to natural hazards. About one third of

Karaibaria is one of the

the east Andarmanik River. It has 13 villages almost equally affected by

4.1.1 Demographic, Infrastructure, Health, Sanitation and Other

Kariabaria union is inhabited by 26611

Assessment Report, GTZ/ November 2010

People in this union live in both

Assessment Report, GTZ/ November 2010

The Karaibaria union has only 18 km.

4.1.2 Hazard/ DisasterFrequency, Intensity, Duration, Damage

Assessment Report, GTZ/ November 2010

Hazard Venn diagram of Karaibaria Union

Assessment Report, GTZ/ November 2010

Disaster History and Impact Analysis of

recorded death was occurred in four worst affected districts namely,

4.1.3 Disaster Preparedness, Vulnerability and Capacity

Lack of understanding of warning signal

Inadequate warning signal flag post

50%people do not have transistor Radio set

Maximum CPP warning equipment is non functional

Community initiatives for self preparedness is lacking

Inadequate Cyclone shelter covering only 20% of total population.

Internal communications in deplorable condition

No special care taken to women, children disable, and elderly

During SIDR community response for sheltering was poor

Imam, elite, member of DM committee have shallow understanding

Negligible initiative for basic DP measures such as raising house

Inadequate availability of safe water in remote areas

Breach of coastal embankment, original height of embankment

Tendency of cutting embankment for fishing and shrimp projects

Intrusion of massive saline water in the inlands

No safe building around the community for emergency sheltering

Present electricity coverage only 10%

Inadequate sluice gate of which most are not operational

No single private concrete building exist in the union