1. 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 Work Monmouth 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.)

2. 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.

3. PRESENTATION OUTLINE Abstract Disaster Management Lessons learned CPP Unique Features Social Capitals Implications for World Disaster Policy Conclusion

4. CYCLONE RELATED DEATHS IN BANGLADESH YearPeople Killed 182240,000 1876110,000 189732,000 196111,000 196311,000 196520,000 1970500,000 1991138,882 199521 19962 1997111 Total863,016 Source: Bangladesh Red Crescent Society, 1997

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

6. 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.

7. “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..

8. 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..

9. 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..

10. 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..

11. 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.

15. Cyclone Alertness: CPP Volunteers CYCLONE ALERTNESS: CPP VOLUNTEERS

16. CPP PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGN

17. CPP SOCIAL CAPITALS Commitment Trust Universality Humanity Leadership Neutrality Solidarity Integrity

18. 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.

19. 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.

20. 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.

21. DISASTER RELIEF: COORDINATION Social Service Agencies Mental Health Agencies Red Cross Society Non-governmental Agencies Civil Society Agencies Governmental Agencies

22. Thanks for your kind attention! Any questions? You can visit my web site at http://www.monmouth.edu/~gmathbor