UNDP and DDM Jointly Organize Earthquake Disaster Preparedness Training to Build Urban Resilience

Half-Day Mock Drill Conducted to Enhance Emergency Capabilities of Key Agencies in Bangladesh

July 31, 2023

Bangladesh's Emergency Response Agencies in Action: A Multi-Agency Field Training Exercise (FTX) showcases the nation's commitment to strengthening disaster readiness and community protection.

©UNDP Bangladesh

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Department of Disaster Management (DDM) jointly organised a training program on July 31, 2023, at Purbachal, Dhaka, to enhance Bangladesh’s emergency response, focusing on earthquake preparedness, financed by the World Bank.

The training was organized to strengthen the capacity of different agencies of the government to carry out their roles and responsibilities as per the Standing Order on Disaster (SOD)  in emergency response like earthquakes. A total of 120 officials from the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR), the Department of Disaster Management (DDM), Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), Sylhet City Corporation (SCC), and the Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD) participated in the exercise. This was a part of the ongoing TED (Training, Exercises, and Drills) Program under the Urban Resilience Project (DDM Part), where UNDP provides technical support and the World Bank is the funder.

©UNDP Bangladesh

Md Kamrul Hasan ndc, the Secretary of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR), attended the training as the chief guest, where Van Nguyen, the Acting Resident Representative, UNDP Bangladesh, and Brigadier General Md. Main Uddin, BSP (BAR), ndc, psc, were the special guests. G, M Phil., Director General of the Department of Fire Service and Civil Defence, Md. Mijanur Rahman, Director General of the Department of Disaster Management (DDM), were also present along with other senior officials from the Government and UNDP.

“The initiative is very timely and significant, as it helps to fortify Bangladesh’s capacity in disasters like earthquakes or any other emergency management,” said Md Kamrul Hasan ndc, the Secretary of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR). He thanked UNDP and World Bank for implementing the TED programme under the Urban Resilience Project (DDM Part).

©UNDP Bangladesh

“UNDP is proud to provide technical support to the Government of Bangladesh to better prepare for efficient and coordinated earthquake response in association with the World Bank,” said Van Nguyen, Acting Resident Representative, UNDP Bangladesh.

The Multi-Agency Field Training Exercise represents a significant milestone in Bangladesh's continuous endeavour to strengthen its emergency response capabilities. Through such initiatives, the nation aims to be well-prepared to face potential disasters and safeguard its communities effectively.

 

📢 Strengthening Bangladesh's Resilience! 🇧🇩 Multi-Agency Field Training Exercise (FTX) brings together key agencies, honing their emergency response skills to safeguard communities in the face of adversity.