1.  Strengthening of disaster risk reduction and disaster response system functions through the Emergency Disaster Management Coordination

Center

Activities

（ Outcome 1 ） The Emergency Disaster Management Coordination Center operated under this project will function as a disaster response base in each region, leading to the disaster risk reduction in the community and the

strengthening of its disaster response system.:

Project Status:

Achievements vs Outcome:

If the activity is behind the schedule, please write the reason.

1-1 Operation         of Emergency Disaster Management Coordination Centers

Target：Local communities

10        people×25 days×8

divisions×12 months =24,000 people

【Indicators of Outcome】

1-1    The Emergency Disaster Management Coordination Center will be used for coordination meetings among partner organizations and relevant stakeholders during normal times, and will also serve as a center for health and public health guidance for the local residents. In the time of emergency, health services will be provided by emergency health workers. The Emergency Disaster Management Coordination Center will be used by 24,000 local residents (annual average) in the target area.

(Indicator：number or visitors, record of services provided)

1-2       Through the Disaster Management Awareness Program, community residents will receive the latest disaster information and knowledge on how to respond to disasters, and people’s awareness of disaster prevention and response will be increased.

（Indicator：Community disaster preparedness report）

Total 2,334 people visited to the Disaster Management Coordination Center to discuss about disaster preparedness and health related issues.

Dhaka: 245 Persons Cox’s Bazar: 286 Persons Pabna: 275 Persons

Bagerhat: 300 Persons

Patuakhali: 296 Persons

Habiganj: 302 Persons

Rangpur: 312 Persons

Netrokona: 318 Persons

Total  = 2,334 Persons

1-2 Disaster Management Awareness Program

Target：Local communities, Community leaders, Local NGOs, Private

company     workers, government officials

15 people × 8 divisions × 4

times ×12 months =5,760 people

A-PAD Bangladesh conducted Disaster Management Awareness programs at the 8 divisional areas where 505 persons have participated. Total 4 times training organized at each divisional areas.

Dhaka:15 Participantsx 4 Sessons= 60 Participants

Cox’s Bazar: 15 Participantsx 4 Sessons= 60+5=65 Participants

Pabna: 15 Participantsx 4 Sessons= 60+2=62 Participants

Bagerhat: 15 Participantsx 4 Sessons= 60+3=63 Participants

Patuakhali: 15 Participantsx 4 Sessons= 60+5=65 Participants

Habiganj: 15 Participantsx 4 Sessons= 60+2=62 Participants

Rangpur: 15 Participantsx 4 Sessons= 60+3=63 Participants

Netrokona: 15 Participants x 4 Sessons= 60+5=65 Participants

2.  Expansion of disaster management network to improve community vulnerability

（Outcome 2）The network of NPF will be expanded

and the capacity of each region for disaster prevention and response will be strengthened.

2-1 Network Partner Meeting

Target            ： Local communities, Community leaders, Local NGO, Private Company       Workers, Government officials

50 people × 5 villages × 8 divisions = 2,000 people

【Indicator of Outcome】 2-1

Strategies, mechanisms, and action plans for disaster reduction cooperation are developed in each region through discussions at network partner meetings, and a framework for disaster reduction cooperation is established.

（Indicator：Strategic Plan） 2-2

MOUs signed with at least 5 new organizations, including private companies, in A-PAD Bangladesh NPF to expand the network

（Indicator：number of new MOUs signed） 2-4

Resources possessed by A-PAD BGD partner organizations are provided in emergency disaster response, and play the role of that organization in times of emergency.

(Indicator：List of resources such as supplies, human resources and donations provided by partner organizations for emergency disaster response）

A-PAD Bangladesh organized Network Partner Meeting at Habiganj. Total 253 Participants joined the Network Partner Meeting.

17 April 2025, Tetoya, Total Participants 50+2=52 Participants

19 April 2025, Poil, Total Participants 50

20 April 2025, Nazirpur, Total Participants 50+1=51 Participants

21 April 2025, Vadoy, Total Participants 50

22 April 2025, Aralia, Total Participants 50

A Five-Day Networking Partners Meeting held in Habiganj, Bangladesh, brought together key stakeholders from government agencies, non-governmental organizations, healthcare institutions, and local community groups. The primary objective was to enhance collaborative disaster preparedness and health system response capabilities in the region. The event focused on practical action planning, community empowerment, and innovative approaches to disaster management, with a special emphasis on health- related challenges and solutions during emergencies.

Through workshops, simulations, and strategic discussions,

participants co-developed solutions and pledged to work

together to build more resilient, responsive systems that prioritize vulnerable populations before, during, and after disasters.

·     Improve coordination between health and disaster response sectors.

·     Address critical gaps in emergency healthcare, disease control, and mental health.

·     Strengthen community-based disaster preparedness.

·     Promote the use of technology for early warning and response.

·     Develop action-oriented strategies for logistics and health infrastructure.

·     Advocate for policy and funding support in vulnerable regions.

·     Disease Management: Address risks of waterborne diseases and epidemics through vaccinations and hygiene promotion.

·     Mental Health: Train first responders in psychological first aid; develop mobile mental health support networks.

·     Action Plan Finalization: Circulate refined action plans to all participants.

·     Task Force Formation: Establish local and district-level

working groups.

·     Capacity Building: Roll out community-based training programs.

·     Monitoring and Evaluation: Develop indicators to track progress and impact.

·     Advocacy Campaign Launch: Create joint policy briefs and resource mobilization strategies.

2-2 Disaster Preparedness Campaigns Target：Partner organizations and local communities

50 people × 2 times × 8 divisions = 800 people

2-3 Network                Partners Capacity Strengthening (DRR)

Target         ：          Partner organizations

20 people × 2 organizations

× 2 times × 8 divisions = 640 people

A-PAD Bangladesh conducted Networking Partner Capacity Strengthening DRR at Rangpur and Bagerhat where 88 persons have participated from 2 Organizations.

09-10 April 2025, Rangpur, Total Participants 43

16-17 April 2025, Bagerhat, Total Participants 45

The Networking Partners Capacity Strengthening for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) program aimed to build the capacity of local stakeholders, volunteers, and community leaders in Sarankhola to better manage and mitigate disaster risks. The objectives of the program were:

·         Enhance Disaster Preparedness: Strengthen local capacities for cyclone preparedness, early warning systems, and community-level disaster response.

·         Promote Local Engagement: Involve local communities, especially volunteers, in disaster risk management and ensure they have the tools to respond effectively during emergencies.

·         Strengthen Coordination: Foster collaboration among government agencies, NGOs, and local communities to ensure a more coordinated approach to disaster preparedness and response.

·         Increase Awareness: Raise awareness about disaster risks and strategies to mitigate their impact, focusing on the upcoming cyclone season.

·         Cyclone Preparedness Programs: Importance of early action, such as evacuation and shelter planning, in reducing disaster impacts.

·         Community Engagement: Involving local volunteers and community leaders in disaster risk management to create a robust response system.

·         Upcoming Cyclones and Heavy Rain: Anticipated disasters during the monsoon season and the need for effective response strategies.

·         Cyclone Vulnerability: Sarankhola is particularly vulnerable to cyclones and tidal surges, with significant

impacts on both infrastructure and agriculture.

·         Early Warning Systems: While early warning systems are in place, their reach to remote areas needs to be expanded, and communication channels need to be more effective.

·         Role of Volunteers: Local volunteers are crucial in disseminating early warnings, assisting with evacuation, and providing basic relief in the immediate aftermath of a disaster.

·         Resource Mobilization: The need for greater funding and resources to ensure that communities are better prepared and that immediate relief can be provided to those affected by cyclones and floods.

·         Integration of DRR into Local Development Plans: The integration of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) strategies into local governance and development plans was strongly recommended.

2-4 Seminar for Developing New                Disaster Prevention Solutions

Target ： NGO, Disaster prevention                         related government organizations, Private sector personnels

30 people （ 2days ） × 8 divisions × 2 times = 480 people

A-PAD Bangladesh conducted Seminar at Dhaka and Patuakhali where 68 persons have participated from 2 areas.

20-21 April 2025, Patuakhali, Total Participants 30+3=33

27-28 April 2025, Dhaka, Total Participants 30+5=35

Despite its economic vitality, Dhaka faces multiple urban challenges, such as traffic congestion, waste mismanagement, air pollution, and frequent urban flooding—especially during

the monsoon season. Furthermore, the city is highly vulnerable to climate-induced disasters and public health crises such as dengue outbreaks.

The New Disaster Prevention and Solution Seminar was organized to address Dhaka’s pressing vulnerabilities by:

·         Assessing potential risks and vulnerabilities linked to natural and man-made disasters.

·         Enhancing     disaster                      prevention                       and mitigation strategies.

·         Promoting awareness and readiness through training and public-private collaboration.

·         Providing actionable recommendations to improve preparedness, response, and recovery.

·         Integrating public health strategies, including dengue mitigation and pandemic response.

·         Promoting risk analysis and transfer mechanisms in disaster management planning.

The seminar brought together representatives from government departments, non-governmental organizations, healthcare institutions, local leaders, and private sector actors. The primary focus was to build a shared understanding of disaster risks affecting Dhaka and to promote collaboration among all sectors.

In response, Community Initiative Society (CIS) organized a two-day seminar titled “Seminar for Developing New Disaster Prevention Solutions” in Galachipa Upazila to build local

capacity for disaster preparedness, first aid, and health awareness.

·         Strengthen community knowledge on emergency response and disaster preparedness.

·         Enhance first aid skills and public health awareness.

·         Promote preventive strategies for reducing risks from disasters.

·         Share local knowledge and experience to improve community resilience.

·         Discuss emerging health concerns such as black fungus and other infections in post-disaster conditions.

2-5 International Symposium on DRR

Target     ： Government, Local government, private company,    NOG, partner organization, representative    of  A-PAD member countries, etc.

200 people

3.  Practical training to improve resilience of local communities

（ Outcome 3 ） Contribute to improving the disaster resilience of local

communities through practical training.

3-1       Disaster            response

capacity building of local

【Indicator of Outcome】

community level in Health and

hygiene field

3-1 a) Establish networks of community leaders who can lead disaster response and

emergency health response in all districts of

3-1 a) Workshop on Disaster Management and Emergency Health Response

Target ： Local residents, Community leaders, Local NGO workers

25 people （ 2 days ） × 8

divisions × 2 times = 400 people

Bangladesh.

（Indicator：Number and the List of community leaders for disaster

response/emergency health in each 8 districts.）

b) Networks of human resources with the skills and know-how to respond to

health emergencies will be established in all districts of Bangladesh to provide

health services to the local residents in times of emergency.

（Indicator：Data of NGO health personals who can respond in emergency.

Number of residents who received the services in the cases of activities during

emergency disaster in each 8 districts.）

3-2 a) Disaster preparedness training and drills will be documented in a manual, and

women, youth groups, and local stakeholders who participate in the drills will be

granted certificates of completion and work as disaster volunteer teams during

actual disasters.

（Indicator：Drilling Manual, Cases of activities in

A-PAD Bangladesh conducted Workshop on Disaster Management and Emergency Health Response at Pabna and Netrokona where 55 persons have participated from 2 areas.

16-17 April 2025, Netrokona, Total Participants 25+3=28

19-20 April 2025, Pabna, Total Participants 25+2=27

The two-day workshop successfully laid the foundation for improved disaster awareness and emergency health response in Pabna. It is evident from participant feedback that such initiatives are essential for reducing disaster risks and ensuring timely and effective local responses.

·         To educate community members about lightning risks and preventive measures.

·         To train participants on providing first aid to individuals injured by lightning or other sudden emergencies.

·         To promote coordination between local NGOs, government officials, and community stakeholders for effective disaster response.

·         Expert lectures and visual presentations

·         Live demonstrations of first aid techniques

·         Printed materials for participant reference

·         Group discussions and community engagement

emergency disaster response）

b) Disaster drills at junior high schools will be documented in a manual so that

students who participate in the drills will have the skills to take appropriate

action in the event of a disaster.

（Indicator：Drilling Manual, Report of emergency disaster response）

In this context, Community Initiative Society (CIS) organized a two-day training workshop in Barhatta Upazila, aimed at building capacity on disaster preparedness and emergency health response — with special attention to floods, heat stroke, and public health risks such as waterborne diseases.

·         Strengthen disaster preparedness and mitigation awareness at the community level.

·         Provide training on emergency health responses, particularly regarding heat stroke and flood-related illnesses.

·         Foster local leadership and coordination among NGOs, community members, and government institutions.

·         Encourage sustainable practices and infrastructure improvement to reduce vulnerability.

3-1 b) Training of Local Health Workers on Disaster Health Activities

Target ： Health workers who belong to local NGOs or civil organizations

20 people （ 3 days ） × 8 divisions = 160 people

A-PAD Bangladesh conducted Local Health Workers training at Cox’s Bazar where 22 persons have participated.

08-10 April 2025, Cox’s Bazar, Total Participants 20+2=22 Participants

To strengthen the capacity of these frontline workers, a two- day training workshop was organized by Community Initiative Society (CIS) at the UTTC Auditorium, Cox’s Bazar. The goal was to equip health workers with the skills and knowledge necessary to respond effectively during emergencies and

disasters, with a focus on local realities in coastal zones like

Cox’s Bazar.

·         Enhance the emergency response capacity of Community Health Workers (CHWs) during and after disasters.

·         Promote awareness and education on disaster-related health issues such as heatstroke, pandemics, and nutrition crises.

·         Build a community-based health resilience network.

·         Encourage practical, ethical, and scalable roles for CHWs in managing community health during emergencies.

3-2 Strengthening disaster

response capacities of

local                communities

through                         disaster

drilling training

3-2 a)

A-PAD Bangladesh conducted Local Health Workers training at

Women Empowerment and

Cox’s Bazar and Babergat where 49 persons have participated.

Capacity Building

15-16 April 2025, Cox’s Bazar, Total Participants 20+2=22

Target ： Women’s groups

Participants

in target villages

20 people （ 2 days ） × 8

divisions × 2 times = 320

23-24 April 2025,Bagerhat, Total Participants 20+5=27 Participants

people

Women Empowerment and Capacity Building are vital for

achieving gender equality and fostering inclusive development.

Empowering women means creating equal opportunities for

them to engage in economic, political, and social domains. Capacity Building involves enhancing women’s abilities, skills, and resources to improve their personal and professional lives.

The focus of the Women Empowerment and Capacity Building initiative was to educate women leaders about taking precautionary measures during disasters and to encourage proactive steps during cyclones and other emergencies. In collaboration with FSCD, CIS conducted a two-day training on Women Empowerment in Sarankhola Upazila.

Experts emphasize that vulnerable groups, including women, children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities, are disproportionately impacted during disasters. Therefore, it is crucial to provide targeted training to enhance their skills and preparedness. In response to this need, CIS initiated a training program focusing on disaster response and basic health knowledge for women.

The training included a Women Capacity Drill held at Kurushkul Model High School, featuring a demonstration by the Senior Station Officer of the Bangladesh Fire Service & Civil Defense,

3-2 b)

Disaster Drilling for the Youth           and Local Stakeholders

Target：Youth in the local private and civic sector

45 people （ 2 days ） × 8

A-PAD Bangladesh conducted Youth and Local Stakeholder Drilling at Dhaka and Netrokona where 96 persons have participated.

09-10 April 2025, Dhaka, Total Participants 45+5=50

28-29 April 2025, Netrokona, Total Participants 45+1=46

divisions × 2 times = 720 people

To strengthen local capacity for disaster risk reduction (DRR) and emergency response, Community Initiative Society (CIS), in collaboration with Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD), organized a two-day disaster drilling and awareness program in Barhatta.

·         Build capacity of local people, especially students and community volunteers, on how to act during and after a disaster.

·         Demonstrate practical actions and safety measures for different types of disasters including fire, flood, cyclone, and earthquake.

·         Encourage community engagement and collaboration with disaster response authorities.

·         Enhance preparedness and reduce loss of life and property in emergency situations.

The disaster drill in Barhatta, Netrakona was a timely and effective intervention to build grassroots-level resilience. With active participation from students, teachers, and local residents, the program served as a model for community-based disaster management.

·         Conduct regular mock drills in schools and union parishads.

·         Provide  training  kits  and  first  aid  supplies  for

community volunteers.

·         Develop a local disaster response committee with defined roles for each member.

·         Include disaster preparedness education in school curriculums.

A two-day Disaster Drilling Initiative was organized in Dhaka to strengthen disaster preparedness and community resilience. The program targeted youth, community leaders, health workers, and volunteers, offering hands-on experience and simulation exercises to empower participants with the skills needed to respond effectively during emergencies.

1.      Raising awareness of disaster risks specific to Dhaka.

2.      Strengthening community-based preparedness through collective responsibility.

3.      Improving    early    warning    and emergency communication systems.

4.      Enhancing practical response skills, such as evacuation, first aid, and firefighting.

5.      Promoting     youth                          leadership                      in disaster management.

6.      Ensuring    inclusivity    for                     vulnerable                     groups (elderly, children, and persons with disabilities).

7.      Fostering partnerships between community members and authorities.

The initiative effectively increased awareness, built practical skills, and fostered a collaborative spirit among participants. Despite resource and coordination challenges, the program laid a strong foundation for future community-led disaster response efforts. Ongoing support, periodic drills, and investment in

resources are essential to sustain momentum and improve local disaster resilience.

3-2 c)

Disaster Drilling for Junior High Schools Target：School Children

40 people （ 2 days ） × 8

divisions × 2 times = 640 people

A-PAD Bangladesh conducted Disaster Drilling for Junior High School at Patuakhali and Rangpur where 89 persons have participated.

09-10 April 2025, Patuakhali, Total Participants 40+3=43

27-28 April 2025, Rangpur, Total Participants 40+6=46.

Recognizing the importance of disaster preparedness in schools, Icon Dreams School in Rangpur Sadar organized a two- day Disaster Drilling Program on 27th and 28th April 2025. The mock drill sessions were aimed at equipping students with life- saving skills, enhancing their awareness, coordination, and emergency response capabilities in the event of disasters like earthquakes and fires.

The Disaster Drilling for Junior High School program successfully raised awareness among students and school authorities on disaster risk reduction. CIS’s initiative was widely appreciated by all participants and stakeholders. The training contributed significantly to building a culture of preparedness

and resilience among school children in this disaster-prone

region.

·         Educate and empower junior high school students on disaster preparedness and emergency response techniques.

·         Strengthen school-based disaster resilience through simulation drills and interactive training.

·         Build cooperation among students, teachers, and emergency responders.

·         Instill a sense of responsibility and readiness among youth to act as first responders in times of crisis.

·         Mock drills for earthquake and fire were conducted for all students and staff.

·         A presentation and demonstration were held to explain how to act during disasters.

·         Evacuation drills were executed where students left the building calmly in lines, covering their noses and following designated exit routes.

·         Scout team and staff were stationed at key points to guide the evacuation process.

·         The evacuation was completed in 5 minutes 17 seconds, meeting safety standards.

·         Headcounts were performed by class teachers post- evacuation to confirm that no one remained inside.

·         Staff were trained in first aid and crisis management in case of injuries.

·         Students displayed discipline, alertness, and cooperation.

·         Teachers and support staff successfully managed the

drill with minimal disruption.

·         The activity helped develop confidence and readiness among students.

·         The initiative reaffirmed the school’s commitment to safety and disaster resilience.

The Disaster Drilling Program at Icon Dreams School served as a model for school-level disaster preparedness in Rangpur. Given the high-risk geography of the district, regular training like this is essential. By integrating evacuation drills into the school’s monthly routine, the institution is effectively contributing to the creation of a safety-aware, resilient student

community equipped to respond to emergencies.

3-3 Update               website contents as E-resources for             Disaster Management

https://apad-bd.org/print-media/

https://apad-bd.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1-01.webp https://apad-bd.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2.webp https://apad-bd.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/5.webp https://apad-bd.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/3.webp https://apad-bd.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/4.webp https://apad-bd.org/a-pad-bangladesh-activity-report-month-

of-march-2025/