Bangladeshi Scouts are disaster prepared
Over 900 Rover Scouts have undertaken training in disaster preparedness and emergency response to ensure they can support their communities and take action swiftly and appropriately in response to natural and manmade disasters, at the same time working to promote awareness of and support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The training took place as part of the 3rd National Disaster Management Scout Camp, a five-day event delivered by the Community Development and Health Department of the Bangladesh Scouts for participants from Bangladesh plus Rover Scouts and Guides from India and Nepal.
Natural disasters, such as flooding and earthquakes, occur regularly and trained Scouts are able to support the efforts of first-responders, as well as assist in longer-term follow up where entire communities are impacted. This training took place in Mithamoin, an upazila (sub-district) of the Kishoreganj District in northern Bangladesh, an area abounding with haors — wetland ecosystems. As such, preparedness for natural emergencies also helps Scouts to support the management of food security in the area. The Haor region is known as the ‘food store’ of Bangladesh, supporting major subsistence and commercial fisheries and rice-growing. Each year they experience a harsh monsoon season and climate change has put people and agriculture from these low-lying agricultural areas in danger from floods, high tide surges and erosion, plus drought has become common in summer months.
Training components covered preparedness for and emergency response following cyclones, floods and earthquakes, plus firefighting and rescue skills and long-term environmental sustainability. The Disaster Management Camp had nine parts.
1. What should I do? Scouts learned how to respond to national disasters actively. Specialist speakers on disaster management and mobilisation of volunteers worked with Rover Scouts to detail the responsibilities of Scouts during a civil emergency.
2. Face the Cyclone. Rover Scouts took part in exercises that simulated a real cyclone, learning how to action fast assistance in the case of an emergency. Scouts engaged exercises to understand cyclone pre-warnings, preparedness, rescue exercises and first aid.
3. Hoar Flood! This programme took place in al flood environment on the low-lying plains of the Hoar region. Scouts took to the water and learned water rescue techniques for people and livestock, preparedness for living in a flood zone and how to help in the aftermath of a flood.
4. Fire - Fast & Furious. The Fire service and Civil Defence, alongside Scouts led this programme. Scouts gained lifesaving skills such as how to extinguish a propane tank fire, how to run fire drills safely and how to take appropriate first aid action in event of a serious fire.
5. Fun and Games. Scouts engaged local communities to think about preparedness through games using teamwork skills. Aa football match with local communities was a highlight of the day.
6. Environmental sustainability. The area of Mithamoin where the training was held is an area of outstanding natural beauty. Scout units were set a challenge, which included tree planting, the distribution of vegetable seeds for kitchen gardens and the placement of COVID-19 protective gear at the Mithamoin Education Institution.
7. Earthquake - Bluster! A mock drill was an impactful way to learn how to prepare communities to respond quickly after an earthquake. Evacuation skills, emergency preparedness, first aid and earthquake rescue skills were gained.
8. Build your knowledge. Disaster-related management skills were vital elements of this programme. Scouts learned how to share information amongst local communities. Practical knowledge and best practices on disaster management were shared on national and international Disaster Preparedness and Response protocols. In addition, Scouts learned about the ancient and rich culture of the Hoar people.
9. Campfire! Scouts celebrated the success of the training camp and new friendships made through teamwork and fun. All the attendees had an incredible week, learning skills for SDGs to help local communities prepare and deal with natural disasters.
This event was kindly hosted and supported by the President of Bangladesh, Mr Md. Abdul Hamid, who attended the opening of the camp. The closing was attended by Mr Md. Enamur Rahman, Honourable State Minister, Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief. The Campfire took place on the final evening.
Photo credits: Bangladesh Scouts
