Evaluation of the Standing Orders on Disaster (SOD) Implementation: A Study on Flood Affected Areas of Rangpur, Bangladesh

Present study was designed to evaluate the status of Standing Orders on Disaster implemented at the local level of flood-affected areas of northern Bangladesh. Both primary and secondary data were utilized and data were collected from the members of Upazila Disaster Management Committee, Union Disaster Management Committee, and general inhabitants, respectively through interview and questionnaire survey. The majority of the respondents agreed that the orders were carried out using the current guideline of standing orders and implemented immediate tactics. The results showed that 66.25% and 58.63% orders were implemented at the warning stage by Upazila Disaster Management Committee and Union Disaster Management Committee respectively. Again, during disaster stage, all orders were carried out by both committees. Members of both committees claimed that the number of appropriate persons and lifesaving materials were insufficient. Counseling psycho traumatize victims to overcome their trauma was absent. Again general people said they received services 12.5%, 86.75% and 52% in three phases of disaster. Average performances of Standing Orders implemented at three stages of disaster were 83.12% and 81.17% by Upazila and Union disaster management committee, whereas general inhabitants received average 50.42% services. It was revealed that all aspects of standing orders on floods in the study area are not adequately addressed in different stages of flood management. The findings of this study are likely to help guide government agencies and policymakers to strengthen their SOD implementation mechanism to ensure improvement in northern Bangladesh and other regions with similar concerns.