In a significant step towards enhancing resilience and preparedness among Rohingya refugees, the international humanitarian organization ACTED has conducted an intensive training program on cyclone and disaster preparedness for its community volunteers inside the refugee camps of Cox’s Bazar. The initiative is part of ACTED’s ongoing commitment to reducing disaster risks and building local capacity among vulnerable populations who are most at risk from natural calamities.
The multi-day training, held in various camp blocks, brought together over 50 selected community volunteers from different sections of the refugee settlements. The training sessions focused on building knowledge and practical skills in early warning systems, safe shelter practices, emergency communication, evacuation procedures, and first response measures during cyclonic events and other natural disasters.
Given the geographic location of Cox’s Bazar, a region frequently affected by cyclones, flash floods, and heavy monsoon rains disaster preparedness remains a critical need in the overcrowded and fragile environment of the refugee camps. More than 900,000 Rohingya, who fled targeted violence in Myanmar, now reside in makeshift shelters constructed from bamboo and tarpaulin, making them extremely vulnerable to strong winds and landslides.
Speaking at the closing session of the training, an ACTED Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Officer emphasized the importance of community-based disaster preparedness. “Empowering the community through knowledge and action is the only way we can reduce the impact of natural disasters. The refugees are not just beneficiaries; they are our first responders. They know their communities best, and they play a vital role in saving lives,” he said.
The training used participatory methods including group discussions, simulation drills, and mapping of risk zones within the camps. Volunteers were also trained on how to identify the most vulnerable individuals in their blocks, such as the elderly, persons with disabilities, and single mothers, to ensure they receive early assistance in case of evacuation or other emergency measures.
Many participants expressed gratitude and enthusiasm for the opportunity. Halima Begum, a 27-year-old volunteer from Camp 12, shared her reflections after completing the training. “We have faced many storms here, and every time we were afraid because we didn’t know what to do. Now I feel more confident that I can help my neighbors and protect my children. This training has opened my eyes to many things we didn’t know before,” she said.
In addition to technical training, ACTED also distributed educational leaflets and visual materials in the Rohingya language, ensuring that the broader community could benefit from the knowledge passed on by the trained volunteers. Plans are underway to conduct similar trainings for women-led groups and youth teams in the coming weeks, as part of a broader disaster preparedness strategy leading up to the monsoon and cyclone seasons.
The initiative is being implemented in coordination with the Inter Sector Coordination Group (ISCG), the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC), and other humanitarian partners working in the camps. By equipping local volunteers with knowledge and tools, ACTED and its partners hope to create a stronger, faster, and more coordinated response in the face of future emergencies.
As climate change continues to increase the frequency and severity of weather-related disasters, efforts like these are becoming increasingly vital. The cyclone preparedness training by ACTED stands as a reminder that empowering local communities is one of the most effective ways to ensure safety, dignity, and resilience in humanitarian settings.
