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.