University of Dhaka – Supporting Local Government in Climate Disaster Early-Warning and Monitoring (2024)

 

1. Context

Bangladesh is highly vulnerable to climate-related disasters such as floods, cyclones, riverbank erosion, and other extreme weather events. Effective early-warning systems (EWS) and risk monitoring at local and regional government levels are essential to protect lives and property. Universities, particularly research and data analysis centers, play a critical role by providing technical assistance, research insights, and capacity building to support government preparedness.

 

2. DU’s Activities in 2024

A. Research & Data-Based Support

1. Center for Climate Change Studies and Resource Utilization (CCCSRU)
   • Conducted risk assessments and data collection in flood-prone, cyclone-prone, and riverbank erosion areas.
   • Provided local government with risk analysis and GIS-based mapping reports.
2. Department of Geography & Environment and DSCR
   • Analyzed vulnerability of urban and coastal populations.
   • Supported local authorities in early-warning system planning and disaster preparedness modeling.

 

B. Collaboration with Local & Regional Government

1. Workshops & Consultation Sessions
   • DU hosted or participated in multi-stakeholder workshops with Dhaka City Corporations, MoDMR, UNDP, and IOM to discuss risk monitoring, early-warning systems, and disaster preparedness.
   • Example: May 2024 – DU hosted sessions linked to Dhaka City Climate Action Plan Launch, which addressed flood risks, disaster preparedness, and early-warning planning. (du.ac.bd

 

2. Technical Advisory Support
   • DU researchers provided risk maps, flood and cyclone forecasting data, and monitoring protocols to local government.
   • Assisted in integrating climate risk data into local disaster management and infrastructure planning.

 

C. Training & Capacity Building

1. Certificate Course on Climate Change & Public Health (CCPH)
   • Modules included early-warning, disaster risk, and public health impacts related to displacement.
   • Targeted government officers, NGO staff, and researchers. (cchpu-mohfw.gov.bd

  Environment Innovation Summit (December 2024)

• Engaged students and local communities in early-warning systems, climate risk mitigation, and innovative adaptation solutions. (linkedin.com

 

 

3. Limitations & Future Opportunities

• DU did not establish a formal MoU or operational role for managing early-warning systems in 2024.
• Activities were primarily research, advisory, and training-focused, rather than implementing or operating local government EWS.
• Opportunity: DU could develop a formal cooperative early-warning plan with local authorities, including monitoring protocols, alerts, and community engagement mechanisms.

 

4. Conclusion

In 2024, the University of Dhaka actively supported local and regional government in climate disaster early-warning and risk monitoring through:

1. Data-driven risk analysis and mapping.
2. Capacity building and training for government and NGO personnel.
3. Workshops and consultation sessions connecting government, communities, and students.

Although DU did not operate a formal, government-integrated early-warning system in 2024, its activities laid a strong foundation for evidence-based planning, early-warning integration, and community preparedness for climate-related disasters.