Disaster Preparedness and Awareness Program
Ghashful’s roots in disaster management go back to the devastating 1970 cyclone in the coastal belt of the then East Pakistan, which claimed more than a million lives and left millions homeless. In the wake of that catastrophe, Ghashful’s founder, Late Shamsunnahar Rahman Paran, stepped forward to support relief and rehabilitation efforts for the affected communities. This early humanitarian work laid the foundation for Ghashful’s long-standing engagement in disaster preparedness and response — a commitment that has been central to its mission ever since.
Following Bangladesh’s independence in 1971, Ghashful began its journey as a development organization in a war-ravaged nation, providing relief, family planning services, and rehabilitation for war-affected populations, including women survivors of wartime violence. Over the decades, Ghashful has expanded into multiple sectors — including health, education, microfinance, community development, youth empowerment, agriculture, climate change, and disaster management — with the goal of creating a safer, more equitable society for all.
Our Approach to Disaster Preparedness and Response
From its inception, Ghashful has worked to reduce disaster risks for vulnerable populations, both within its program areas and beyond. The organization takes a holistic approach that combines:
- Preparedness — Providing communities with the knowledge, skills, and readiness to face potential disasters.
- Response — Delivering emergency care, relief materials, healthcare, and rehabilitation during and after disasters.
- Recovery — Supporting the restoration of livelihoods and infrastructure, and offering financial compensation to affected members.
Ghashful’s disaster management activities cover a range of hazards, including cyclones, floods, landslides, and fire outbreaks. Through its Risk Coverage Fund, Ghashful provides financial support to microcredit members who are disaster victims, as well as assistance for the families of deceased members for funeral arrangements.
Emergency Rescue Capacity
To ensure rapid and effective disaster response, Ghashful has established a trained Emergency Rescue Team of 150 members, equipped and ready to operate during crises. Members have received specialized training from the Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence Department under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The team is composed of individuals with strong local knowledge, cultural sensitivity, language skills, and the ability to handle a variety of disaster situations.
During emergencies, the team:
- Assesses needs and damages.
- Mobilizes resources and coordinates with government and other stakeholders.
- Leads field-level response operations across sectors such as food, non-food items, health, water and sanitation, shelter, and protection.
- Monitors and reports on activities to ensure accountability and effectiveness.
The Emergency Rescue Team also engages in awareness and preparedness activities year-round, educating communities about disaster risks, prevention measures, and ways to protect themselves from potential threats.
Institutional Readiness and Collaboration
Ghashful’s effectiveness in disaster management is strengthened by its organizational readiness, which includes a comprehensive governance structure, an active disaster management committee, contingency plans, policies, and established coordination mechanisms. Ghashful is a member of the District Disaster Management Committee, Chattogram, ensuring close collaboration with government agencies and other actors in the field.
Over the years, Ghashful has evolved from primarily providing relief to adopting a proactive, preparedness-oriented approach. Reducing disaster risks is now embedded in its mission to alleviate poverty and improve living conditions. The organization’s humanitarian identity — born from the cyclone of 1970 and the struggles of 1971 — continues to guide its vision of protecting and empowering vulnerable communities in the face of both natural and human-induced hazards.