DHAKA, March 3, 2024 (BSS) - The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), in partnership with the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR) of Bangladesh and the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), last week conducted a lesson learnt workshop on Strengthening Early Warning Systems and Forecast-Based Early Action in Bangladesh.

During the workshop, WFP, MoDMR and EU Humanitarian presented the preliminary findings of a study on enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of early warning systems for both flash floods and storm surge floods in disaster-prone areas; and the success of WFP's forecast-based cash assistance to 6,000 households in Teknaf, Cox's Bazar, was also highlighted, a WFP press release said today.

Over the past two years, with generous EU humanitarian funding to its forecast-based financing initiative, WFP has provided timely and crucial support to families in Teknaf, aiding in their preparation for imminent floods and expediting recovery efforts in the aftermath.

This initiative has contributed positively to the government's disaster risk management endeavours.

"This project holds significant importance as it served as a testing ground for technical solutions essential for enhancing the implementation of shock-responsive social protection in Bangladesh. We are eager to continue supporting the Government of Bangladesh, particularly through MoDMR, in this area for the long term," said Anna Orlandini, Head of Office, EU Humanitarian in Bangladesh.

"The inclusion of financing components is crucial to ensure the sustainability of our collective efforts in combating climate change. WFP and its partners remain committed to advancing these proven interventions to help vulnerable communities be better prepared for and protected against the adverse impacts of climate-related hazards," said Riccardo Suppo, Head of Programme, WFP Bangladesh.

The workshop emphasised the importance of continued capacity-building in technical areas, such as multi-hazard forecasting and early warning systems, as well as collaboration between national and international organisations to mitigate the impacts of natural disasters through proactive measures.

K M Abdul Wadud, Additional Secretary, MoDMR, chaired the meeting. Md Mijanur Rahman, Director General, Department of Disaster Management, participated in the workshop as the chief guest, while Lutfun Nahar, Joint Secretary, MoDMR, as special guest.