On the eve of Cyclone Sidr’s devastating strike in 2007, Prova Mridha, aged 46, was busy preparing dinner for her family. As evening descended, a loudspeaker echoed urgent evacuation calls due to an impending cyclone signal. Hastily packing their meal for later consumption, Prova, accompanied by her husband and son, departed their home, leaving their livestock behind in the compound.
With the nearest shelter located 1.5 miles away, Prova recounted the crowded night spent in a makeshift cyclone refuge, where the howling winds instilled fear in all present. Upon returning home the next morning, she discovered her compound ravaged by uprooted trees and a contaminated water source. Despite her efforts to salvage their damaged home, it stood on the verge of collapse.
Facing recurrent challenges exacerbated by climate change, Prova’s resilience waned as she struggled to secure her family’s safety amidst escalating climatic adversities. Living in Mongla Upazila for three decades, Prova and her husband, a day laborer, endured economic setbacks, forced to seek refuge during floods and cyclones while witnessing their surroundings deteriorate.
The vulnerability of coastal regions like Mongla to climate change remains a pressing concern, characterized by rising sea levels, intensified cyclones, and salinity intrusion, undermining the livelihoods and well-being of local communities. In response, BRAC initiated the Climate-Resilient Housing (CRH) project under the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) Action Project, erecting two such houses in Mongla Upazila and Moheshkhali.
Recognizing the dire circumstances faced by individuals like Prova, BRAC’s intervention provided a glimmer of hope by constructing a two-storey, red-brick home, offering a semblance of security amidst the turbulent climate. Prova, now relieved, acknowledges the newfound assurance that her family is sheltered from cyclonic threats.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) spearheads the NDC Action Project, showcasing BRAC’s climate-resilient housing model at COP 28, garnering international acclaim. Dr. Farhina Ahmed envisions widespread adoption of such initiatives across coastal regions, bolstered by private sector engagement and financial incentives.
BRAC’s commitment extends beyond housing provision, emphasizing inclusivity and community resilience. With the CRH model recognized globally for its impact and sustainability, collaborative efforts between BRAC, MoEFCC, and international forums aim to fortify vulnerable communities against climate adversity, fostering a future of resilience and security.
