Community-led Early Actions (EA)s on Flash Flood events in North-Eastern Bangladesh

Authors and Collaborators: 

  • Shampa, Shammi Haque, Sonia Binte Murshed, Md. Hasanur Rahman, Md Rayhan, Shahriar Ahmed Toufiq, Mashfiqus Salehin, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology
  • Erin Coughlan de Perez, Tufts University, USA

Flash flood forecasting and management present a significant global challenge. Critical factors such as risk perception, timely forecasting, effective communication, and the capacity to respond play key roles in managing flash floods at the community level. However, the presence of early warning systems (EWS) alone does not ensure that early actions (EAs) will be taken. This study examines community-led EAs during the 2022 flash flood events, with a focus on enhancing the accessibility, actionability, and inclusivity of early warning messages (EWMs) for last-mile communities. The research combines qualitative and quantitative data, including 22 focus group discussions (FGDs), 21 key informant interviews (KIIs), 10 case studies, and 425 household (HH) surveys. Secondary data helped build a conceptual framework linking flood dynamics, last-mile communities, and policy solutions, while HH surveys validated findings and identified household-level EAs and damages.

The results show that last-mile communities do not exist as distinct geographical areas but rather as isolated segments within larger settlements. In Tahirpur, only 23% of individuals received the official EWM, yet no significant difference was observed in EAs taken by those who did and did not receive the message. Gaps in the official EWM were filled by indigenous knowledge, although the EWM currently focuses on agricultural information, lacking clear shelter and evacuation procedures or protective measures for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and the elderly.

The paper proposes a revised EWM that includes real-time weather information, projected impacts, and explicit instructions for evacuation, including routes, times, and expected lengths of stay. It also outlines multiple EAs at the household level, covering nutrition, health, agriculture, livestock, and fisheries. Contact details for community flood volunteers and clinic representatives are incorporated to improve communication. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of local volunteer groups, better coordination between forecasting agencies, transportation support, and enhanced water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities to strengthen flood risk management. These measures aim to ensure the safety and inclusion of all community members, particularly vulnerable groups, by integrating their feedback into disaster planning and response.

The full paper will be available soon. Click here to read the executive summary.

GDPC Logo_horz_transp

This research was funded by the Global Disaster Preparedness Center through its small research grants program on inclusive and accessible Early Warning Early Action.

Are you sure you want to delete this "resource"?
This item will be deleted immediately. You cannot undo this action.

Related Resources

Guidance material
23 Jun 2014
This document is a Flood Safety Checklist that gives you basic information on what to do & what supplies do you need in case of a flood occurs. French
Tags: Guidance material, Flood
Guidance material
13 Nov 2013
The purpose of this guideline is to provide guidance to the National Societies on effectively enhancing and supporting Early Warning Systems (EWS) in their respective countries, particularly at the community level. This publication is meant to iden...
Tags: Guidance material, Early Warning Systems
Guidance material
24 Dec 2014
This handbook presents some basic information on safe construction practices. Its purpose is to provide guidance on choices regarding settlement planning in risky environments, as well as on the building techniques to improve individual shelters. The...
Tags: Guidance material, Earthquake, Flood, House Fire, Landslide, Livelihoods and Food Security
Scroll to Top