COMMUNITY BASED DISASTER INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM: PERSPECTIVE BANGLADESH. Dr. Hakikur Rahman, Sustainable Development Networking Programme,

The most efficient and effective disaster preparedness systems and capabilities for post-disaster response are usually provided through volunteer contributions and local authority actions at the neighborhood level. Specific actions are also needed at the appropriate level of local government, in collaboration with NGOs and private sector enterprises working in close coordination with community participants, for disaster preparedness and capacity development with rapid implementation plan. Active participation of local communities is essential for successful disaster reduction policy and practice. Vulnerable communities in developing countries have experience and resources to prevent losses from disaster. Communities are rich in experiences of coping with natural disasters both in preparedness and emergencies. Being knowledgeable about their own environments, often they would be able to predict on untoward incidents. Community based disaster preparedness and mitigation activities are found to be the most effective ways of reducing disaster vulnerability. The first line of disaster response is at the local level, where simple planning and preparedness measures can substantially reduce the impacts of natural hazards. With the vast territory, huge population and similar geoclimatic conditions, Indian sub-continent i