Effectiveness of Upazila Disaster Management Committee in Bangladesh

[Submitted to]Md. Khalid Hasan, lecturer

Institute of Disaster Management and Vulnerability Studies, University of Dhaka

[Submitted by]

Nasrin SultanaMasters on Disaster Management, 8th Batch

Session: 2016-2017Class Roll-48

Exam roll: 161748Registration no.: Ro-43

[Submitted to]

JANUARY 25, 2017

Institute of Disaster Management and Vulnerability Studies University of Dhaka

DECLARATION

Student’s Class Roll:161748

Student’s Name & Surname: Nasrin Sultana

Course:DMC 508

Code of Study-unit: Master of Disaster Management (MDM), 8th Batch

Title of Assignment:Effectiveness of Upazila Disaster Management Committee in

Bangladesh.

I hereby declare that I am the legitimate author of this assignment.

I further confirm that this work is original and unpublished.

____________________ 25 January 2017

Signature of Student Date

Page | 1

1. Introduction:

Bangladesh is the most disaster prone country of the world. Great negative consequences are being

associated with different natural and human made hazards. The geographical location, morphology,

land characteristics, multiplicity of rivers and the monsoon climate made our country highly

vulnerable to natural hazards. The unpredictable nature of ‘Bay of Bengal’ and the coastal belt

formation of Bangladesh influence the impact of natural hazards on the area. Especially in the

southern area natural hazards increase the vulnerability of the coastal dwellers and slow down the

process of socio-economic development.

In Bangladesh cyclones and floods are the major and usual natural hazards. Besides the country is

experienced along with river bank erosion, drought, flash flood, seasonal storm, tornado, tidal surge

and a few man made hazards, such as fire, building collapse, ferry tragedy, road accidents etc.

Bangladesh is also at risk from earthquake and tsunami and climate change along with new

dimension in urban risk due to its fast growing urbanization and density of urban centres. Climate

change adaptation issues need special consideration both at national and community level. This has

great impact in our hazard frequency and severity, particularly in case of floods and droughts.

The Bangladesh government has a well-recognized disaster management institutional framework

that extends from highest level to union level. The Government is committed to invest more in the

risk reduction framework. The Government is implementing several programs to shift the whole of

the paradigm of disaster management from response and recovery culture to a risk reduction

culture. However, an effective emergency response system remains at the forefront of the disaster

management efforts.

Disaster management officials understand the difference between risk reduction and emergency

response. They know defining risk environments can influence emergency response systems and

decisions. All hazards cannot be managed and all risks cannot be eliminated. At times, a response to

an emerging threat or an event that has happened will be necessary. In this case, response and

recovery systems that have been developed in managing the risk environment are activated as

needed to respond to the threat. Such response may include-

Warning period (Alert and activation).

Disaster on-set (Response).

Post Disaster Period (Early recovery, relief and rehabilitation).

Against these backdrops, the standing orders have been revises with the objective of making the

concerned persons understand and perform their duties and responsibilities regarding disaster

management at all levels. All Ministries, Divisions, Departments, Organizations, Agencies shall

Page | 2

incorporate disaster risk reduction considerations into their sectoral development plan and those

having emergency management responsibilities shall prepare their own contingency plans and their

staff accordingly.

Standing Orders on Disaster (SOD) defines the roles and responsibilities of Upazila Disaster

Management Committee (UzDMC). To identify the effectiveness of Upazila Disaster Management

Committee, I visited Gazipur Sadar Upazila on January 2, 2017 and gathered related data &

information.

Picture 1 : Office of the Upazila Project Implementation Officer (PIO) , Gazipur Sadar, Gazipur .

2. Problem Statement:

Although the objective of the Standing Orders is making the concerned persons understand their

duties and responsibilities regarding disaster management at all levels but in reality most of the

UzDMCs are not functional due to lack of awareness, lack of commitment, lack of trainings, lack of

resources and absence of proper monitoring activities.

Page | 3

Picture 2 : Office of the Upazila Project Implementation Officer (PIO), Gazipur Sadar, Gazipur .

3. Rationale of the Study:

Bangladesh has 64 districts and 489 upazilas (sub-districts). The Upazilas are the second lowest tier

of the administration. Therefore, total 489 Upazila Disaster Management Committees (UzDMC) are

there in the country. UNO (Upazila Nirbahi Officer) is the chairperson and PIO (Upazila Project

Implementation Officer) is the Member-Secretary of this committee. Concerned Honorable Member

of the Parliament is the advisor of the Upazila Disaster Management Committee (UzDMC).

According to the SOD, UzDMC has to assist Union and Pourashava DMCs to enhance their efficiency

in developing local warning system, risk reduction programming, rescue and recovery strategy and

awareness raising strategy. It take steps for capacity building of upazila level officers, union and

Page | 4

pourashava chairmen/ members & volunteers. UzDMC ensure security of the local and outside relief

workers, women, children and person with disability during hazard and help people to transfer their

essentials to safe places. This committee arranges first aid to the injured people. So, the committee

can play most important role in pre, during and post disaster. It is maintains liaison & coordination

with district & union DMCs. The study tried to find out its latest functional status & effectiveness.

5. Objective of the Study:

The overall objective of this study is to examine the effectiveness of Upazila Disaster Management Committee (UzDMC) of Gazipur Sadar Upazila of Gazipur District of Bangladesh.

6. Methodology: [Indicate method, location, sample size and type of the study properly]

The area of Gazipur Sadar Upazila is 446.38 sq km, located between 23.53` and 24.11` north

latitudes and 90.20` and 92.30` east longitudes. It is bounded by Sreepur and Kaliakoir on the North,

Kaligonj and Sreepur on the Eas t, Tongi on the South and Tongi and Kaliakoir on the West.

Picture 3 : Map of Gazipur Sadar Upazila

Page | 5

Total population of Gazipur Sadar Upazila is 8 lac 66 thousand and 540. There are 8 Unions

and261villages in this upazila. The cyclone of 1969 killed 20 people of Gazipur Sadar Upazila and the

tornado of 1991 killed 15 people of Gazipur Sadar Upazila. Fire incidents are occurred here adjacent

areas regularly. My research methodology requires gathering relevant data from in-depth interview

by using specific semi-structure questionnaire. In order to analyze the qualitative data and arrives at

a more complete understanding of effectiveness of upazila DMC at Gazipur Sadar Upazila. The

questionnaires based on SOD are organized into five sections. These are the Disaster Risk Reduction,

Emergency Response, Emergency Response during warning phase, Emergency Response during

Disaster, Emergency Response during Post-Disaster phase and General Asking.

The UzDMC is formed with thirty members. We have selected a member from the committee for an

interview who belonging at UzDMC. The type of study is ‘Naturalistic Observation’. In the context the

environment is in no way being manipulated by the observer nor was it created by the observer. This

study is reflects a case study by the researches observation.

7. Findings of the Study: [analyze the case and indicate the core findings from the case study with key limitations, lacking of UDMC]

The Upazila Disaster Management Committee has been formed by the Government as SOD. They include different government and non-government organization personnel in their committee. The SOD clearly mentioned their role and responsibility in the respective upazila.

The member-secretary of the Gazipur Upazila DMC and Upazila Project Implementation Officer said

that Gazipur Sadar Upazila is exposing to fire, road accident, building collapse, cyclone,

thunderstorm, tornado, flood, earthquake and health related hazards. Gazipur Sadar Upazila is

highly affected by environmental pollution due to over population, roads are overcrowded by

vehicles, rapid industrialization beside the highways and urbanization. There are a good number of

garment industries in this area. There are also several types of industrial units including textile &

dying, packaging industry, ceramics factory, pharmaceutical industry, brick field and others. Some

toxic metals are there in the environment causing degradation of soil health.

Fire incidents have been occurred in different garment industry over the last couple of years where a

number of workers have been affected. A fire incident occured at “ Smart Metal Chemical Limited

“ , Badun Bashugaon, Pubail Road , Gazipur on 23/01/2016 , where 5 people were killed and several

others injured. Another devastating fire accident was occured on 10/09/2016 at “ Tampaco Foils

Limited “, a Plastic Packaging Factory at Bisic Industrial Area , Tongi , Gazipur Sadar where 39

people killed and 36 injured. Out of 39 labourer workers 31 deadbodies identified but 8 others

deadbodies have been destroyed and it was not identified. Fire is also purported to be the cause of

Page | 6

on-the-job injuries and fatalities in the sector. So, fire is a threat there. A number of road accidents

are occurred every week. cyclones and tornadoes are being occurred several times specially during

the time of ‘Kalboishakhi’. I also mentioned 20 people were killed in 1969 and 15 in 1991 by

tornadoes.

Picture :4 The devastating fire originated following a boiler explosion at the plastic packaging factory Tampaco Foils Limited in Tongi of Gazipu : Photo :

STAR/Amran Hossain

Picture 5 : Firefighters were trying to douse the flames which have spread all across Picture 6 : A woman broke down in tears after she was informed that a

Tampaco FoilsLimited, a plastic packaging company in Tongi industrial area in Gazipur. member of her family has been critically injured in the devastating fire at the Tongi

Photo; STAR/Amran Hossain Factory in Gazipur.

Gazipur sadar upazila is situated in the natural floodplain. The area is experienced with normal flood

every year.

It remains in the seismic zone II (two), which is vulnerable for earthquake. In the medium risk

zone, shocks of moderate intensity are possible with a probable maximum magnitude of 6 to 7

on the Richter Scale.

Gazipur upazila DMC members received several trainings and attended different workshops on

Risk Reduction and Emergency Response (Warning phase, during disaster and post disaster

Page | 7

phases) and from Ministry of Disaster Management of Relief and other local NGO’s. They took

part some other trainings on school drills & religious leaders for local inhabitants.

The Upazila DMC meetings are being held regularly. The committee meets once in a month

during normal time and any time if necessary.

At upazila level, there is no separate DM fund. If any incident occurs, then UzDMC requested

District DMC for fund. District DMC helps them to reduce the disaster effect. However UzDMC

spent BDT 1,00,000 to BDT 5,00,000 from upazila parishad fund for incident management after

a disaster.

The formation of the committee is successful by the government. It is combination of various

govt. agencies. Need to improve the coordination system for better result.

Picture 7 : A bill board of Disaster reduction in the Picture 8 : A bill board of Disaster reduction in the Office of the Upazila Project Implementation Office of the Upazila Project ImplementationOfficer (PIO) ,Gazipur Sadar, Gazipur . Officer (PIO) ,Gazipur Sadar, Gazipur .

Page | 8

Picture 9 : Some relief goods at the DMIC, Gazipur.

8. Recommendations:

The different training courses on risk reduction and emergency response in most important for

understanding the Disaster Management System for community, committee members,

volunteers and peoples. Gazipur sadar upazila area is exposed silent hazard like environment

pollution and toxic contamination in the soil. These are going unreported in the media and out

of the public eye and therefore failed to attract sufficient funding. So, government can take

initiatives to train up the members those who are expose to affected by these type of

disasters and preparing people of the committee and community including institutions under

Gazipur Sadar Upazila.

The Readymade Garment (RMG) industry is known as vulnerable to fire accidents. The

garment factories performed poorly in two important parameters- Fire drills and emergency

announcement systems. Gazipur upazila DMC can work closely with BFSACD and BGMEA to

reduce fire risks.

Need to upgrade the incident management system and implement it properly.

Recommended for the allocation of sufficient resources, identify leader, specify role, enhance

monitoring system.

Page | 9

Need to understand the holistic approach of disaster management risk reduction and

emergency response (early warning phase, during disaster phase and after disaster phase).

The committee has a common goal and work as a unit of upazila level with a common

understanding.

The committee is doing some work but not effectively or efficiently in the upazila level. Their

performance is not sufficient to meet the demand. So, the government needs to take some

initiatives to make the committee effective and need oriented.

Page | 10

ANNEX-1

Details of the Case Study

Date of Interview: 02 January 2017

Name of Respondent: Md. Ishtiaq Hussain Ujjal

Designation: Upazila Project Implementation Officer (PIO), Gazipur Sadar, GazipurPosition of UzDMC: Member Secretary

Permanent Address: Village: GazipurPost: GazipurDistrict: Gazipur

Phone no : 01712-770807TNT : 02-9204882

Name of Interviewer: Nasrin Sultana

Picture 10 : The “ Honour Board “ of Upazila Project Implementation Office of the Upazila Project Implementation Officer (PIO) ,Gazipur Sadar, Gazipur .

Page | 11

Picture 11 : Picture of the Upazila Project Implementation Officer (PIO) ,Gazipur Sadar, Gazipur .

Section 1: Disaster Risk Reduction

Question 1 : What kind of role do you have in formation of Union Committee?

Answer: I play a very important role in the formation process of Union Committee. I also monitor its activities

Question 2 : What kind of support do you provide for Union & Municipal Committee?

Answer: I convey the decision of UzDMC to Union & Municipal Committee. I provide necessary advice and assistance on behalf of the government.

Question 3 :Do you organize any disaster training & workshop? If yes, for whom do you organize?

Answer: Yes, We have to organize different types of trainings/ workshops for upazila level officials.

Question 4 : How and with whom do you work for Hazard, Vulnerability and Risk identification?

Answer: We collect information from the different Union parishads, villages about the structural vulnerability of different residential houses, educational & religious institutions.

Page | 12

We work with different officials of Upazilla Levels, Union Parishad Chairman’s, Principals and Headmasters of different educational institutions.

Picture 12 : Interview with Md. Ishtiaq Hussain Ujjal , Upazila Project Implementation Officer (PIO), Gazipur Sadar, Gazipur on 02 January ,2017.

Question 5 :Do you prepare "location map" and "list" of vulnerable communities? If yes, how do you use them later?

Answer: Yes, as a member of Upazila Disaster Management Committee I have to prepare vulnerable communities map. Through making change in accordance with the need.

Question 6 : What initiatives do you take to reduce the risk and increase the capacity of the most vulnerable community?

Answer: We distribute relief goods, implement `Test Relief’ and ‘Food for Work’ programs in those areas.

Question 7 : Do you regularly arrange "coordination meetings"? If yes, after how many days a meeting take place?

Answer: Yes we have to arrange and attend coordination meeting regularly i.e. once in a month.

Page | 13

Question 8 : Do you inform district committee about the progress on the action plan in upazilla level? And do you take any provision to develop and implement of the plans?

Answer: Yes, we inform the district committee regularly. We also cooperate in taking new provision.

Question 9 : Do you adopt any holistic disaster management work plan? If yes, why and how do you adopt?

Answer: Yes, we do. We collect the information, ideas of Disaster. We stressed on special needs of specific people in every intervention.

Question 10 : Do you take any initiatives for dissemination of disaster warning in very rapid and effective way? If yes, which initiatives do you take?

Answer: Yes, we take necessary initiatives. We disseminate the disaster warning through miking and mobile phone (social media).

Question 11 : Do you take any provision to build "disaster tolerant infrastructure”? If yes, how do you proceed to build?

Answer:Yes, we do. We request the concerned people, public representatives and higher authorities for constructing disaster tolerant infrastructures.

Question 12 :Do you take any steps to composite hazard tolerant agriculture and other livelihood systems? If yes, which steps do you take?

Answer: Through involving Agriculture & Fisheries Department, we conduct rehabilitation activities.

Question 13 : Do you take any necessary provisions during emergency disaster phase? If yes, which provisions do you adopt?

Answer: Yes, we do. We regularly cooperate with the concerned departments of evacuation, calculation and sending updates to the District.

Question 14 :Do you adopt any provisions about emergency medicine storage and delivery? If yes, which provisions do you adopt?

Answer: Through involving Upazila Health Complex, we conduct the medical services in emergency period. We have to form medical team with doctors and staffs. Distribute water purifying tablets and other necessary medicianes.

Question 15 : Does "Rescue and Relief Operation Committee" take any necessary provisions in post disaster phase? If yes, which provisions does the committee adopt?

Answer: Yes, we do. On the basis of extent of hurt or damage the victims has to send in the shelters or hospitals. Arranging dry food and other essentials.

Page | 14

Question 16 : Does the committee organize any mock drill regarding disaster? If yes, how does the committee organize the drill?

Answer:Yes, we do. We organize mock drills regarding fire incidents & earthquake. Sometimes NGO’s came up for cooperation.

Section 2: Emergency Response during Warning PhaseQuestion 1: What are the plans do you have for emergency disaster preparedness?

Answer: Make functioning of DMC of all levels. Make ready for emergency food supply.

Question 2: Do you broadcast the disaster forecasting? If yes, how do you broadcast?

Answer: Yes, we do. (a) Through Miking, (b) Make announcement from Bangladesh Betar & Television; (c) Social Media (facebook, internet etc.). (d) Using 1090 number from any telephone.

Question 3: Do you play any role about the management of disaster shelters? If yes, what role do you play?

Answer: Yes, the educational institutions are being used as the temporary shelters. I along with other member’s take part in supervision and management of those shelters.

Section 3: Emergency Response during Disaster

Question 1: Do you take any type of response method in disaster situation? If yes, how do you proceed that?

Answer: Yes, we do. By the help of all concerned. (Affected and non-affected people).

Question 2: Do you direct any rescue operations in disaster situation? If yes, how do you do that?

Answer: Yes. By the help of volunteers, Govt. employees, members of fire service and law enforcing agencies, Ansars, VDP etc.

Question 3: Do you take any special provisions during disaster? If yes, for whom do you take those initiatives?

Answer: Yes, we meet twice daily. For the victims and the volunteers who are working for the victims.

Page | 15

Picture 13 : Interview with Md. Ishtiaq Hussain Ujjal , Upazila Project Implementation Officer (PIO), Gazipur Sadar, Gazipur on 02 January ,2017.

Section 4: Emergency Response in Post-Disaster Phase

Question 1: Do you take any steps of rehabilitation program in post disaster situation? If yes, which steps do you take?

Answer: Yes, we do. We make a list of the victims also with the extent of damage. We give them cash and kind support.

Question 2: Do you take any provision to eliminate the trauma, caused by the disaster? If yes, which provision do you take and how do you proceed that?

Answer: We visit the victims. Provide counseling and try to help them as the budget allocation. Sometime we suggest them to get admitted in the hospitals.

Question 3: Do you provide emergency healthcare in post-disaster situation? If yes, how do you provide?

Answer: Yes, by the help of Govt. and emergency medical team.

Page | 16

Question 4: Do you take any measures to reduce the risk of future losses due to disasters? If yes, how do you proceed?

Answer: Yes, we do the needful. We fill the SOS and D form to assess the extent of damage. Then we take necessary measures or project to reduce vulnerability.

Section 5: General Asking

Question 1: Do you know about the "Standing Order on Disaster (SOD)"? If yes, what do you know about this?

Answer: Yes, I know about the "Standing Order on Disaster (SOD)". I have some idea about different types of Disasters, National Policies about Disaster Management, Different Committees from National to local levels, Inter-Ministrial Committees, their responsibilities, the duties and responsibilities, the duties and responsibilities of Govt. officials, People Representatives, and also responsibilities of different NGO’s and People Welfare Organization.

Thank you very much.

Thank you too.

Page | 17