Strengthening Last Mile Communication in South Asia Region, funded by USAID through UCAR and implemented by RIMES in select locations in Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, is positioned in building climate resilience through improved access and use of early warning information among last mile users in the region. 

Strengthening Household Ability to Respond to Development Opportunities (SHOUHARDO) III program of CARE Bangladesh works with poor rural beneficiaries from 8 districts of the Char and Haor regions of Bangladesh. The locals are highly dependent on agriculture and livestock for their livelihood. However, these communities are the most vulnerable against recurring natural disasters and impacts of climate risk.

Bangladesh is one of the most flood-prone countries in the world. Around 25 to 30 percent of the land area is inundated during a normal monsoon period incurring losses equivalent to 1.5% of GDP or $2.2 billion on average per year (ADB 2016).

Effective early warning systems necessitate translation of hazard forecasts into sector and location-specific risk and impact information which can be integrated into decision-making processes for informed anticipatory actions.

About 3% of Asia’s land area is classified as a low elevation coastal zone, yet it is home to 13% of the region’s population and 18% of its urban population. Of the top 10 countries in the world with the largest population counts in low elevation coastal zones, eight are in Asia. Reducing risks through preparedness and mitigation is paramount, as migration away from these zones, though may be the most appropriate prevention measure, is not popular or acceptable.