Resilient homes to help coastal Bangladeshis withstand cyclones

AlertNet reports that thanks to the Disaster Resilient Habitat (DRH) project, safer settlements in Bangladesh coastal villages were built to face future cyclones. "The project’s innovative approach ensured that solutions came from within the community rather than being imposed from the outside," said Aminul Islam, assistant director of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Bangladesh.

The UNDP now plans to expand the construction of storm-resistant houses to villages affected by cyclone Aila in the Dacope sub-district of Khulna district. "These villages are getting cyclone-resistant homes which will have solar energy, rainwater harvesting and (cyclone) early warning systems, and livelihood support," added Islam.