Overview

Bangladesh, particularly the capital city of Dhaka, is experiencing one of the most severe air pollution challenges in the Asia-Pacific region. Chronic exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) poses significant risks to public health, livelihoods, and urban resilience. Unlike sudden-onset disasters, air pollution represents a slow-onset, pervasive hazard that affects communities on a daily basis.

In response to this challenge, the Asia-Pacific Disaster Resilience Centre (APDRC), in collaboration with the Korea University Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, conducted a Phase 1 research study to analyze PM2.5 in Dhaka from a disaster risk and resilience perspective.

Key Findings

The study found that PM2.5 concentrations in Dhaka have shown a persistent upward trend between 2016 and 2024, reaching the highest levels among major Asia-Pacific cities. Annual average concentrations exceed both national air quality standards and international health guidelines by a wide margin.

Seasonal and diurnal patterns indicate higher pollution levels during winter months and nighttime hours, suggesting the influence of specific emission sources. Analysis further revealed that household-level biomass fuel use and informal waste burning are among the dominant contributors, rather than industrial emissions alone.

Implications

The research highlights air pollution as a chronic disaster risk that requires a shift from reactive response to preventive and resilience-oriented approaches. While Bangladesh has established legal frameworks and national air quality plans, limited monitoring coverage and gaps between policy and implementation remain key challenges.

The findings underscore the importance of community-level interventions, improved risk communication, and institutional support to protect vulnerable populations and enhance urban resilience.

Overview

The Philippines is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, frequently affected by typhoons, floods, and other climate-related hazards. In response to the devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) in 2013, the country has significantly improved its disaster preparedness and response systems.

Post-Haiyan Enhancements

Following the catastrophic impact of Haiyan, which resulted in over 6,000 deaths and massive infrastructure damage, the Philippine government and its partners implemented sweeping reforms to strengthen early warning systems, emergency coordination mechanisms, and community-based preparedness programs. These efforts have contributed to faster response times and more effective evacuation and relief operations in subsequent typhoons.

Key Initiatives Include:

• Improved forecasting and real-time warning dissemination

• Community education and evacuation planning

• Inter-agency disaster response coordination

• Strategic prepositioning of supplies and logistics

Reference Video
▶ Typhoon Haiyan: FAO’s Emergency Response and Rehabilitation Programme
Watch Here

Impact
The Haiyan experience has served as a turning point in the Philippines' disaster resilience, and lessons learned continue to shape national and local strategies for climate-related emergency response.

Located in Chiba Prefecture, Japan, Kashiwa-no-ha Smart City is a leading example of urban innovation designed to withstand natural disasters such as earthquakes. The city strengthens public safety and urban resilience with integrated energy management systems and a comprehensive disaster response framework.

?? Video Highlight:
Kashiwa-no-ha Smart City: Making smart use of local energy sources to build the communities of the future ? by Hitachi

▶ Watch Here

▶ Watch Here

A true model for sustainable and disaster-resilient urban planning.

Disaster description

Cyclone Gabrielle: New Zealand declares national state of emergency

In February 2023, New Zealand declared a national state of emergency in response to Cyclone Gabrielle, one of the most devastating tropical cyclones to ever hit the country. This video highlights the cyclone’s severe impact on the North Island, including massive flooding, landslides, and power outages. It also showcases the government’s rapid response and emergency management efforts during this climate-related disaster.

Disaster Description

New Zealand's approach to Disaster Risk Reduction

NZ’s uses magnitude eight earthquake simulation to prepare for natural disasters

New Zealand is one of the most seismically active countries in the world, frequently exposed to earthquakes due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire. In response, the government has developed a nationwide disaster response system that includes public education, emergency drills, and advanced simulation exercises. The videos linked below show how New Zealand promotes disaster risk reduction and prepares for major earthquakes through large-scale simulations and community engagement.

Disaster description

UNDP Weathering the storm (Part 1) - Cambodia Climate Change Alliance

This UNDP video, “Weathering the Storm”, showcases Cambodia’s response to climate change through flood adaptation efforts. It focuses on how vulnerable communities are building resilience using local knowledge, sustainable practices, and support from the Cambodia Climate Change Alliance. The video highlights real stories of farmers and families affected by floods, and the innovative strategies they are using to protect their livelihoods.

Disaster description

Korea Prepares for Extreme Rainfall With Massive Dam Release Plan [MBN News7]

How are cities in S. Korea responding to flash floods?

The city of Seoul has developed a comprehensive flood forecasting system and an early warning network to better prepare for increasingly frequent and intense rainfall events. The system integrates real-time data on rainfall, terrain, and underground drainage capacity to accurately identify areas at risk of urban flooding. It then sends automated alerts to residents through multiple channels, helping them evacuate or take precautions in time.

In addition, the government has implemented large-scale infrastructure measures, such as advanced dam release strategies and the expansion of underground water retention systems, to minimize damage from flash floods. These efforts are part of South Korea’s broader climate resilience strategy in response to extreme weather caused by climate change.

Disaster description

Bangladesh: Heat Wave - Apr 2024

Based on the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) data source dated 21 April 2024, severe to very severe, heatwave was sweeping some districts of the country where mild-moderate heatwave was sweeping over most of the districts of the country. BDRCS forecast monitoring report indicates maximum temperatures exceeding to 38 degree Celsius, with the heat index surpassing 38 for two or more consecutive days. On 24 April 2024, severe heatwave (>=40 degree Celsius) was observed in the district of Rajshahi, Pabna, Khulna, Bagerhat, Jeshore and Patuakhali. On 26 April 2024, Bangladesh set all-time heatwave record as the Meteorological Office recorded 24 days of heatwave during the month of April breaching previous 23 days of heatwave in 2019. According to BMD dated on 27 April 2024, severe to very severe heatwave (>=40 degree Celsius) has been observed in the district of Rajshahi, Pabna, Chuadanga, Natore, Chapai Nawabganj, Kushtia, Jhenaidah, Jashore, Meherpur and Bogura. Moderate heat wave (>38- 39.9 degree Celsius) is sweeping over the district of Bagerhat, Satkhira, Barguna, Barishal, Patuakhali, Jhalokathi, Bhola, Pirojpur, Sherpur, Mymensingh, Sirajganj, Tangail, Jamalpur, Thakurgaon, Joypurhat, Panchagarh, Lalmonirhat, Faridpur, Madaripur, Magura, Manikganj, Rajbari, Gazipur, Gopalganj, Nilphamari, Rangpur, Naogaon, Gaibandha and it may spread. According to the observed heatwave, most impacted divisions are Rajshahi, Khulna, Rangpur, Dhaka and Barisal ... According to Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) as of 30 April, a total of 10 people died of suspected heat stroke in different parts of Bangladesh. As the heatwave has been sweeping over the country, the government of Bangladesh declared closing of schools and colleges for one week up to 27 April and forced 33 million children out of schools in Bangladesh. According to daily Newspaper Prothom Alo, around 70 percentage of total Bangladesh population are impacted due to heatwave particularly people living in Khulna, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Dhaka and Barisal division for several days, causing significant hardship, particularly the people who are working outside in sun. (IFRC, 4 May 2024)

Over the past two weeks, a heatwave has affected several parts of Bangladesh, impacting millions of people. Media report at least 15 fatalities due to heat-aggravated conditions, with most of the deaths recorded in the Magura district (south-western Bangladesh). Following this meteorological event, the authorities closed schools, colleges, madrasas and technical education institutions across the country. According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), mild heat waves will continue on 7 May over the districts of Gopalgonj, Jashore and Chuadanga (southern Bangladesh) and it could abate in the next few days. (ECHO, 7 May 2024)

Disaster description

Indonesia: Earthquake - Jan 2021

As of 18 January, 84 people were confirmed killed, 932 people injured, and about 40,000 people are directly affected and displaced in Mamuju and Majene Districts. Heavy damages have been reported by both districts, including the Governor’s office, three hospitals and health facilities, eight mosques, two hotels, a bridge, and over 1,150 houses sustained damages. Initial reports estimate 59 schools and 40 Islamic schools were also damaged. The Provincial Government has declared the emergency response status for 14 days until 28 January. (OCHA, 19 Jan 2021)

As of 24 January, a M6.2 earthquake that occurred in West Sulawesi on 15 January has displaced at least 94,500 people across Mamuju, Majene, and Polewali Mandar into 356 evacuation centres. According to the Indonesian National Board for Disaster Management (BNPB), a total of 92 people were reported dead, three missing, and approximately 3,300 people injured. (AHA Centre, 24 Jan 2021)

Between January and early February, Indonesian Red Cross, with support from the IFRC deployed a team to conduct multi-sectoral assessments to identify needs and map capacities in the field. The key findings were regarding to shelter, where needs for emergency, transitional, and permanent shelter support exist. The Government of Indonesia (GOI) is planning to provide permanent support to households which sustained heavy damaged houses, while other organizations were requested to support affected households during the transition to recovery. A total of 3,836 housing units were severely damaged or destroyed, 4,983 houses sustained medium to partial damage, and 6,703 houses were slightly damaged. (IFRC, 9 Mar 2021)