AN ANALYSIS OF THE EARTHQUAKE CONTINGENCY PLANNING SYSTEM AMONG DISASTER MANAGEMENT STAKEHOLDERS FOR DHAKA CITY CORPORATIONS

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to analyze and determine the status of contingency planning systems for disaster management stakeholders for Dhaka City Corporations. The study also aims at determining the status and identifying the added value of contingency planning by public and private authorities. As prime movers of disaster risk management, public authorities can use the findings and recommendations of this study in planning for disasters or emergencies that may likely affect and bring enormous impact on people's lives, their livelihoods and property. The qualitative descriptive research design was found to be the most suitable design for this study capable of investigating a wider geographical area in a short period of time, capturing the respondents' views on common hazards, the status of earthquake contingency planning, the frequency of reviewing the plans, as well as their capacity and gap 10 engage into contingency planning. In this study a semi-structured questionnaire was used to reach out to all the twenty seven stakeholders who are regarded as a first responder of the earthquake contingency plan and a race-to-face interview were taken of the key informants. Based on the qualitative data a thematic analysis was done for findings. From the findings major gaps are identified and based on the findings recommendation are given. The findings and recommendations of this study might set the tone for "good practice" in dealing with disaster risk management in Dhaka City Corporation and globally, as well as influencing policy and practice.