Bangladesh is a low-lying, densely populated country which is regularly subject to natural disasters such as floods, cyclones, cold spells and earthquakes. It is well-established that people with disabilities (PWDs) are disproportionately affected in natural disasters and emergency situations, both in the acute relief and post-acute reconstruction phases of these situation. PWDs are often excluded from emergency relief planning and have difficulty accessing mainstream relief services due to the nature of their disability. Their specific needs and requirements are often not taken into account in the relief or reconstruction response. It is for this reason that PWDs need specialized assistance in both phases after an emergency or natural disaster. Well-planned and prompt relief and rehabilitation programs can rescue thousands of PWDs during and after an emergency, and help them to rebuild their lives and recover their livelihood activities so that they do not slip further into poverty. BPKS, as a disabled people’s organization already working with disabled people in areas that are affected by natural disasters, is optimally placed to provide specialized and targeted assistance to PWDs in the emergency’s acute and reconstruction phases.

With this reality, BPKS responds to emergencies and disasters that occur in the country, providing PWDs in affected areas with necessary supports for immediate survival and post-acute rehabilitation alongside the main PSID interventions already being carried out in these areas.

Photo: A woman with a disability is provided with relief in Chandpur district during emergency support activities undertaken by BPKS in 2007

Having already provided emergency relief in affected working areas, BPKS is currently preparing for post-flood emergency rehabilitation of the disabled people severely affected by the devastating floods that occurred in July/August of this year. This support will be provided in 13 districts of the country, covering 23 Disabled Peoples' Organizations affiliated with BPKS. The BPKS response to the cold spell and floods of 2007 includes the following emergency support and rehabilitation activities:

Table 1. Emergency Support Activities undertaken in 2007

Table 2. Post-emergency Rehabilitation Activities undertaken in 2007