Role of Social Capital Surviving Disasters: Lessons Learned from Bangladesh and Implications for

World Disaster Policy

Presented By

Golam M. Mathbor, MSS, MSW, Ph.D.Associate Dean, School of Humanities & Social Sciences

Professor, School of Social WorkMonmouth University, New Jersey, USA.

A Session of Models for Disaster Management of

The Social Work Social Development 2012: Action and Impact

The joint World Conference of the IASSW, IFSW, & ICSW

Stockholm, Sweden, July 11, 2012 (11:00-12:30P.M.)

ABSTRACT

Recent disasters reveal that communities characterized by higher levels of physical, human and social capital were better prepared and more effective in surviving disasters. This presentation is based on a case study to understand the context and process that helps to reduce damages as a result of natural disasters in coastal Bangladesh. Specifically, the presentation highlights how Cyclone Preparedness Program (CPP) of Bangladesh Red Cross Society developed its social capital to respond effectively.

PRESENTATION OUTLINE

• Abstract

• Disaster Management

• Lessons learned

• CPP Unique Features

• Social Capitals

• Implications for World Disaster Policy

• Conclusion

CYCLONE RELATED DEATHS IN BANGLADESH

Year People Killed

1822 40,000

1876 110,000

1897 32,000

1961 11,000

1963 11,000

1965 20,000

1970 500,000

1991 138,882

1995 21

1996 2

1997 111

Total 863,016

Source: Bangladesh Red Crescent Society, 1997

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

NO MATTER WHERE IN THE WORLD DISASTER STRIKES, DISASTER MANAGEMENT IS ABOUT PEOPLE. TORNADO DAMAGE, ILLINOIS

LESSONS LEARNED

• Invisible assets of a community affect the community preparedness before the disaster and rebuilding process after the disaster.

• Strong Social Cohesion Accelerates Community Re-Building Process in Disaster Affected Areas.

• A well Coordinated Chain of Command Prompt Evacuation Plan during Disasters and Post Relief Operations.

• “ Communities which are well-trained culturally, socially, and psychologically are better prepared and more effective responders to the aftermath of disasters, (Buckland & Rahman, 1999).”

• “The actual movement toward preparedness at local level is a real weakness during Hurricane Katrina-Paul Light, NYU Professor, (Boston Globe, 9/4/05).”

LESSONS LEARNED…CONTINUED..

• In 1991 Bangladesh Cyclone, people heard about cyclone warning signals 3-6 hours before the storm surge, but they did not take refuge in shelters.

• A similar situation occurred in the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. People were not evacuated in time due to lack of well-coordinated plans between and among the organizations.

LESSONS LEARNED…CONTINUED..

• Mortality from disaster is generally greatest in areas having the poorest socio-economic conditions (Guha & Sapiro, 1991).

• Related deaths were largely attributable to a lack of decent housing capable of providing shelter during the cyclone in Bangladesh Cyclone of 1991.

• Effective Utilization of Social Capital Enhances Community Preparedness for Natural Disasters.

LESSONS LEARNED…CONTINUED..

• Communities characterized by higher levels of physical, human and social capital were better prepared and more effective in responding to disaster in the case of the 1997 Red River Flood in Canada.

• No deaths occurred among indigenous people of Andaman Island during the tsunami devastation because of their understanding of Early Warning Systems.

LESSONS LEARNED…CONTINUED..

CYCLONE PREPAREDNESS PROGRAM (CPP)

• Unique Features:– A wonderful chain of command,– Uses both personal and impersonal

communication,– CPP volunteers are well trained cadres in

disaster management activities,– A clear line of authority and well

informed leadership,– Government’s continued support for CPP.

Cyclone Alertness: CPP Volunteers CYCLONE ALERTNESS: CPP VOLUNTEERS

CPP PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGN

CPP SOCIAL CAPITALS

• Commitment

• Trust

• Universality

• Humanity

• Leadership

• Neutrality

• Solidarity

• Integrity

IMPLICATIONS FOR WORLD DISASTER POLICY

• Continue raising public awareness through utilization of personal and impersonal communication tools to engage public in disaster preparedness efforts.

• Recruit local volunteers and train them on how to mitigate the consequences of disasters during relief (short-term), recovery (mid-term) and reduction (long-term) prevention strategy periods.

IMPLICATIONS FOR WORLD DISASTER POLICY

• Find ways to use social networks enhancing community preparedness for disasters and in building social capital.

• Devise techniques in order to assess the vulnerability and adaptation of areas relevant to climate change.

IMPLICATIONS FOR WORLD DISASTER POLICY

• Integrate disaster contents in educational curricula and instruction at all levels.

• Build more cyclone shelter houses to accommodate escalating population.

• Consider re-settling population in the low-lying coastal areas to higher ground.

DISASTER RELIEF: COORDINATION

• Social Service Agencies• Mental Health Agencies• Red Cross Society• Non-governmental

Agencies• Civil Society Agencies• Governmental Agencies

Thanks for your kind attention!

Any questions?

You can visit my web site at http://www.monmouth.edu/~gmathbor