Postgraduate Programs in Disaster Management (PPDM)

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Application of scientific and indigenous knowledge for flood management in Northwest Bangladesh
(BRAC University, 2015) Ahmmed, Sohel; Kabir, Dr.Md.Humayun
The present study tries to identify the Indigenous practices of the rural communities. It also focuses to assess their economic condition in relation to livelihood practices. Local people Participation in the research process has ensured by Focus Group Discussion, Informal Interview. Most of the peoples don’t have any scientific knowledge to coping with flood. The people of Kurigram district passing their life to cultivated land, Domestic animal, grazing land and wet land are the major natural resources. The peoples of the rural area face flood & river bank erosion almost every year. They have some traditional knowledge by which they are able to cope up with this situation. In my study I tried to find out the existing indigenous knowledge that has been practice by the people for anticipating flood and coping mechanism during flood situation. The project looks at how communities can bring together their own indigenous knowledge and experiences, which might include birds, insects or plants, in order to support local adaptation to during flood. I also tried to find out the practices regarding house, agriculture, health. Most of the rural people they have no academic knowledge but they are living with flood by using their own mechanism for many years in this area. As a result they have a very good capacity which we called indigenous knowledge. With this they are able to reduce vulnerabilities. The thesis then identifies why the region is known for its seasonal food insecurity (Monga) and reason behind the high incidence of poverty. This thesis discussed about that both scientific and their own local knowledge is used properly to inform policy and decision-making at all levels. This thesis emphasizes the integration of scientific and indigenous knowledge for flood management. Finally I recommended some of my findings of Kurigram district for further study.
Bulding resilient communities through architectural interventions : towards a sustainable future
(BRAC University, 2015) Hamid, Samara; Mallick, Professor Fuad H.
The global context and the climate is changing rapidly and this poses a major threat to the population and their habitat to cope with the changing dynamics of the surroundings. Hence, the habitat that house entire communities that in turn build entire nations need to be structured in a safe and robust manner that can easily adapt to adversity. These solutions can be achieved through architectural designs that are affordable, safe, socially /environmentally conscious, socio-culturally appropriate. This paper hence, highlights the architects as professionals who are not only the namesake for mainstream designs but are most vital components in the preparedness and reconstruction phases of the DM cycle capable of achieving sustainability and resilience through interventions. The concept of architects and architectural interventions is seldom highlighted or appreciated in the disaster management cycle. Therefore, the thesis in its first chapter gradually unveils the concept of the disaster management cycle and its link to approaches that focuses mainly on interventions/solutions that are architecturally related to achieve sustainability. The subsequent chapter clarifies the link between DM and architecture even further by show-casing examples of countries from all over the world that have been affected by destructive natural calamities and have benefitted through innovative designs. The case-studies were seen through the lens of an architect and the process of reconstruction of each example was outlined for different types of hazard. In doing so, the process revealed the different kinds of architectural interventions or creative solutions in detail that carry the potential of becoming catalysts for a sustainable future. In the concluding chapter, the process was further analyzed for pros and cons and in this way ideas were presented as to how the projects or solutions can work more effectively and how it can be further improved. The essence of the thesis is to carry forward the concept of architectural innovations and its effectiveness in the DM system so that is can be adopted sooner to see a much more improved and “built back better” world in the approaching times of impending disasters.
Green water defense as flood mitigation approach for Dhaka district
(BRAC University, 2015) Moumita, Deeba Farzana; Mondal, Dr. M. Shahjahan
Dhaka is prone to flood hazard due to its location, topology, climate and proximity to rivers. The main objectives of this study are to delineate the flood extent, find out the flood duration during monsoon, identify the change in land use and find out mitigation measures to reduce the impact of flood hazard in Dhaka. In this report, the flood types, causes of flood, flood history and flood control, and flood mitigation measures for Dhaka district are discussed. The study is based on review of literature, analysis of satellite images and water levels, and interviewing of some key informants. Due to its location, Dhaka is found to be susceptible to both fluvial and pluvial types of flooding. Drainage congestion is another major problem in Dhaka during the monsoon due to unplanned rapid urbanization, poor drainage system and improper maintenance of sewerage and drainage system. At present, Dhaka does not have any integrated long term flood risk management plan. A multi-scale, delta perspective flood mitigation focus, which involves long term adaptive management, is not yet in place. Green water defense, which is an adaptive management approach for delta regions, can be one of the best flood mitigation approaches, for Dhaka, both in city and district scales.
Integrating architecture in rainwater harvesting for climate and disaster resilience in coastal cities: a case study of Cox’s Bazar
(BRAC University, 2024-07) Jahan, Israt; Kabir, Md. Humayun; Ferdaus, Muhammad
Water scarcity is crucial global challenge due to rapid urbanization, population explosion, climate change and global warming. As a result, creative and sustainable methods of managing water resources are essential to ensure availability of sustainable, clean water sources and to create disaster resilient community. Cox's Bazar is a renowned tourist hotspot located in the southeastern region of Bangladesh. The main sources of water in the region are groundwater and surface water, both of which are encountering escalating difficulties. The excessive extraction of groundwater and the invasion of seawater, worsened by the increase in sea levels, have led to a notable problem known as salinity intrusion. The growing tourism sector exacerbates the pressure on freshwater resources, as the need for drinkable water rises due to the influx of tourists. Additionally, Cox's Bazar is situated in an area prone to seismic activity, which has led to worries about the possible risks of earthquakes, especially since there are a lot of Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMN) living in refugee camps. Rainwater harvesting (RWH) has become a viable approach and alternative way to mitigate water scarcity, lessen reliance on conventional water sources and reduces future water scarcity. This study aims to find the prospective architectural design areas that can improve rainwater harvesting and build resilient communities to climate change and natural disasters. The research is based on a mixed method approach, including two phases. The first phase is to understand the vulnerable community responses with rainwater harvesting concept. And the second phase includes several architectural project analyses to find out the potentiality of integrating architecture with rainwater harvesting practices. The findings present that integrating rainwater harvesting into architectural design not only lessen the water needs but also helps to maintain the balance in urban water management system. Additionally, the study shows the adaptive design sectors can create resilience by reducing vulnerability to climate-related disasters. To lessen the negative effects of climate change and make coastal cities more adaptable so that urban sustainability, new approaches must be implemented.
Reducing community risk through disaster resilient housing in Bangladesh
(BRAC University, 2015) Enam, Saira; Kabir, Dr. Md. Humayun
Bangladesh is a multi-hazardous and disaster prone country due to its geographic location and socio-economic condition of the people. Every year natural disasters disrupt the lives of people in some parts of the country. The housing sector is mostly damaged due to disasters on a regular basis and is the cause of most economic losses of the country. Houses and settlements are facing greater challenges triggered by natural hazards and uncontrolled urbanization in Bangladesh. Till date, there seems to be a lack of overall housing solutions for building of resilient rural structures that address future disaster risks posed to housing in the hazard exposed areas. Inappropriate housing solutions together with poorly constructed houses are considered as one of the main sources of risks to disasters. Hazards in nature do not constitute disaster risk, however, the underlying vulnerabilities to hazards and external drivers construct disaster risk and resulting losses. These vulnerability factors are not addressed. The housing sector of the country tends to focus more on the physical improvements with limited attention to other aspects such as the social and administrative issues. From literature review in the context of Bangladesh, five significant findings have been considered that would ensure a resilient housing system; (i) local knowledge and construction practice to develop long term disaster resilient housing, (ii) improving local awareness and supporting local economy to raise resilience, (iii) improving communication between the local masons and the professional expertise, (iv) application of planning codes and construction regulation and (v) enhancing the local governance. This paper addresses such factors that may generate several policy implications for local authority to issue appropriate legal frameworks and supportive programs in order to improve local construction and to build safer and more resilient communities. Furthermore, it also addresses some approaches that may be crucial for disaster risk reduction which can be achieved through appropriate housing practices in Bangladesh.
Youth volunteers as change agents in disaster response
(BRAC University, 2015) Haq, Tushar Quader; Huq, Dr. Hamidul
When disaster strikes the local youth are the first ones to respond. Volunteerism has been present since the beginning of human history. The youth constitute one third of total population in Bangladesh. For this important portion of population, determination of national outlook is undeniable. This study looks into the work of BDRCS youth volunteers as case of youth volunteers in disaster management. The purpose is to find the major factors that enable them to perform best as well as the barriers that hinder their work. The study used primary data through group interviews with BDRCS volunteers in Dhaka city and Manikganj district and key informant interviews and one case story. Findings from the study shows most youth joined in the volunteer program on their own. They prefer search and rescue work and are proud to be BDRCS volunteers. They are concerned about personal safety, quality and appropriate training, coordination, wrong attitude, gender inequality and media coverage. People engaging in similar acts may have different underlying motivations for doing so. Findings from the study shows that mostly, the BDRCS volunteers are motivated based on their values which are welfare of others or unselfishness. Other underlying motives includeopportunity to learn, career prospects, social pressure, to reduce feelings of guilt and enhance one‘s self-esteem. Activities for taking forward their work includes ensuring quality and appropriate training and appropriate gears and tools for search and rescue work, awareness raising, recognition and visibility of their work. Psychosocial counseling is important after rescue operations, as it is important to heal the psychological wounds after an emergency or a critical event. The study suggests involving volunteers in all stages of disaster management planning process. It is a matter of combined responsibility that volunteers are recognized for the contributions and their needs are ensured for them to accomplish their efforts successfully.