The north eastern regions of Bangladesh are susceptible to earthquakes and flash flooding. This project is designed to reduce vulnerability of the communities at risk of natural disasters.

The projects plans to serve 33,794 people, of which 22,529 live in flood prone areas in Sunamganj and 11,265 in earthquake prone Sylhet.

This project prepares communities to cope with flooding and earthquakes in Bangladesh. It will last 15 months, starting in mid January 2006.

IR aid workers identify areas at risk of flooding and build or strengthen flood protection barriers. The IR staff also make the community aware of the dangers and provide training on how to mitigate the effects of natural disasters.

An early warning system has been installed to monitor river levels and alert communities at risk of flooding. Additionally, IR has established links between the communities, local institutions and other aid agencies.

The project is being implemented in two districts of the north east, Sylhet and Sunamganj.

Project Objectives

Increasing the capacity of vulnerable communities to cope with natural disasters. Communities in areas that are at risk of natural disasters are developed to respond effectively to the risks of floods and earthquakes.

Project Activities

• Strengthening flood barriers and other infrastructure
• Raising awareness about what can be done to mitigate the effects of a disaster
• Using maps and statistical data to identify areas at risk
• Establishing an early warning system
• Research
• Developing networks of communities, institutions and aid agencies
• Building the capacity of the community to cope with disasters

"Islamic Relief is striving for a fairer world. Our mission is to help the poor and needy to live sustainable, self-reliant lives within safe and caring communities. Our work is guided and shaped by the core values of accountability, humanitarianism, neutrality and impartiality, inclusiveness, integrity and co-operation, all of which are also integral to the Islamic faith."
Dr Hany El Banna - Founder of Islamic Relief

Islamic Relief was established in 1984 and our unique approach is the result of these many years of hands-on experience.

1. Where possible we adopt a community partnership-based approach; encouraging community involvement, understanding and ownership of projects.
2. We run the majority of our field projects ourselves, giving us direct insight into the problems faced and how best to solve them.
3. We aim to empower those we help in order to achieve sustainable results.
4. Though our emergency response teams are quick to respond to emergencies around the world, we continue to support communities long after the initial media interest has died down.
5. We recruit staff locally to benefit from their local knowledge. This ensures that we are culturally sensitive and allows us to reach communities and areas other organisations cannot.
6. Where necessary we coordinate our work with other reputable aid agencies, local organisations and governments.

Millennium Development Goals

Islamic Relief is committed to the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) which have been agreed by the world’s leading development institutions in an effort to meet the needs of the world’s poorest by the year 2015. 

The goals:

1. Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
2. Achieve universal primary education
3. Promote gender equality and empower women
4. Reduce child mortality
5. Improve maternal health
6. Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases
7. Ensure environmental sustainability
8. Develop a global partnership for development

For more information about the MDGs, please visit: http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/