Home ›› 06 Apr 2023 ›› Opinion
The Government of Bangladesh (GoB) under its first ‘Perspective Plan 2010-2021,’ has envisaged transforming the country into a digital one. GoB has substantially invested in ICT over the past decade, to digitize every service. As per the recent Census 2022, there are 72.31 per cent mobile phone users in the country which reflects the Governments ambition. The Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) has also projected in its latest report that 62 per cent of the mobile phone users in Bangladesh will have smartphones by 2025. Even people from remote villages are getting various online services through the 4,571 Union Digital Centres (UDCs) which are acting as one-stop service centre for the rural citizens of the country.
Since Bangladesh is progressing towards becoming a digital nation, the incorporation of technologies can also aid in enhancing disaster response and recovery services by providing real-time information on the location and intensity of an impending disaster and associated risks. As one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change, digital platforms and tools can promote climate change adaptation and build long term resilience of vulnerable communities in Bangladesh. These tools can also help to connect businesses, and communities to financing, training, and other resources to support their climate resilience efforts. However, it is important to ensure that these innovations are accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of the most vulnerable.
As the country is particularly vulnerable to natural hazards due to its geographic location and topographical features, the impacts of floods, cyclones, landslides, earthquakes, and human induced disasters like fire can be devastating, with losses of life, destruction of homes and infrastructure as well as disruption to daily life. According to the ‘Country Climate and Development Report’ of Bangladesh by World Bank Global in October 2022, 13.3 million people may become internal migrants in next 30 years due to climate impacts on agriculture, water scarcity, and rising sea levels, with higher impacts on women. In case of a severe flooding, GDP could fall by as much as 9 per cent.
Increasing climate resilience requires a holistic approach that improves the social, human, natural, financial, and physical capacities of the communities. Digital technologies have the potential to facilitate increased resilience across a range of diverse contexts. An effective Early Warning System (EWS) backed by technological innovations can help communities strengthen their resilience. To support communities and build resilience, GoB has developed multiple warning systems considering different hazards. However, challenges remain in the flood early warning system and its dissemination to reach the ‘last mile’.
As per World Bank 2020 data, around 51.9 million people are exposed to flood risks in Bangladesh. Yet only 28.19per cent received flood early warning in 2015-2020 as per the BBS, 2021 data. Lack of gender responsive EWS, lower literacy rates, lack of access to information and technologies, gendered roles confine women to the home, with less decision-making power. A recent study conducted by Practical Action in 2022 reveals that, main barrier in getting flood early warning in remote char areas includes lack of better communication (50per cent) followed by lack of proper dissemination channel (47per cent), and a lack of authenticity of the information (9per cent); (N=130).
Following the vision of government’s Digital Bangladesh and to support effective disaster preparedness mechanism, Practical Action in Bangladesh developed and launched a mobile-based application called the ‘Disaster Alert app’ jointly with the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR) in 2020, which connects local volunteers with the government’s response teams to ensure a better coordinated response, thereby maximizing efficiency. This app has been developed to ensure preparedness, rescue, and response coordination; aid distribution and support services before, during and after a disaster for vulnerable communities; and volunteers as well as concerned departments of the Government working on the EWS. The app is enlisted as one of Government’s digital innovations and automates components of the disaster management processes. Some key features include:
Weather updates
Subsequent risk prevention and precautionary measures with multi-hazard knowledge (before, during and after a disaster)
Early warning to risk-prone communities and individuals Information about nearby shelter landmarks, and fire safety and medical services Emergency Phone call or SMS to relatives Volunteer mobilization Links between different ministries and departments.
Given the frequency and severity of natural hazards in Bangladesh, there is a need for a comprehensive platform that can help people to stay informed and be prepared. Such an application could provide timely and accurate information, real-time alert for an impending disaster, including weather updates, evacuation information, emergency contacts, community messaging, safety tips among others. It could also help people locate emergency shelters, hospitals, and other resources required to take risk-informed decisions.
An effective early warning system include a full understanding of the disaster risks; providing reliable, accurate, and timely forecasts; disseminating information to stakeholders in ways which are accessible, easily understandable; and execution of actions based on the warning. A mobile-based application like the Disaster Alert app can strengthen the existing mechanism of early warning system in Bangladesh. By collaborating with the government and relevant stakeholders, this multi-hazard application can be piloted in any hazard-prone locations of Bangladesh and can be used as platform for a coordinated preparedness, response, and recovery mechanism that strengthens community resilience.
Anneysha Zafrin is Knowledge Officer, Practical Action in Bangladesh.
Tamanna Rahman is Project Manager, Practical Action in Bangladesh
