The anticipatory action trigger for floods in the Jamuna River basin in Bangladesh have been reached, and the UN Central Emergency Relief Fund (CERF) promptly disbursed $US6.2 million to support the most vulnerable families mitigate the impact of the floods.

The pre-arranged funds were provided to four UN Agencies: The Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and World Food Programme (WFP) to reach people before the forecasted floods occur.

By using early warning systems and scientific advances in disaster prediction, this CERF enabled implementing partners to reach 400,000 people in the northern Bangladesh districts of Kurigram, Gaibandha, Jamalpur, Bogura and Sirajganj,including 92,089 men, 127,290 women, 159,121 children and 6,045 people with disabilities before the flooding occurred.

Each of the 80,000 households will receive anticipatory multi-purpose cash transfers, water purification supplies, agricultural support, dignity & baby kits, and information services on gender-based violence.

Anticipatory Action is a proactive approach to disaster management that enables the implementation and financing of actions before an extreme weather event occurs, helping families to safeguard their homes and income and ensure food security before and after the crisis.

The allocation emphasizes the participation of both implementing agencies and affected communities to ensure that the chosen activities reflect priorities, respond to urgent life-saving needs, and improve resilience through various forms of support.

Historically, UN agencies have worked closely with the Government of Bangladesh to respond to floods and cyclones, providing timely responses where the needs are highest. However, in the face of vulnerabilities created by climate change and other external factors, preventive efforts like Anticipatory Action are growing in importance.