Assessing Community Disaster Resilience via Infrastructure Functionality in Bangladesh

Implementing Partner: Build Change

Project name: Assessing Community Disaster Resilience via Infrastructure Functionality in Bangladesh

This project developed a community-level cyclone resilience estimation model by analyzing the complex recovery of physical systems post-disaster.

It emphasizes that resilience extends beyond structural integrity, relying on building functionality and interconnected infrastructure performance.

Existing codes primarily address physical damage but lack guidance on functionality assessments. By incorporating critical systems, this approach provides a more holistic understanding of disaster resilience, supporting informed planning and adaptive strategies for long-term community safety and stability.

Annual cyclone losses
in Bangladesh
$ 0 mn
Coastal Bangladesh
highly exposed to
cyclones
0 %

Impact and Key Findings

1

This project enhanced risk analysis by integrating building performance with electrical network functionality, offering a comprehensive view of community vulnerability during cyclones. It strengthens resilience planning, enabling more effective strategies to reduce disaster impacts and accelerate recovery.

2

The scenario-based cyclone risk framework enables a realistic assessment of post-disaster community functionality, helping stakeholders anticipate and prepare for diverse cyclone impacts on infrastructure and populations, strengthening resilience planning and response strategies for effective disaster risk reduction.

3

By integrating multiple infrastructure systems, the model improves disaster preparedness and recovery strategies, optimizing resource allocation and reinforcing community resilience. This comprehensive approach helps reduce cyclone impacts, ensuring adaptive responses and long-term stability in vulnerable regions.

Resources

Aishwarya Pillai

Lead Specialist

Alpana heads institutional partnerships, governance, and resource mobilization at CDRI, advancing cross-sector collaborations that drive resilient infrastructure programming across Member Countries and organizations. With over 25 years of experience spanning international development, global health, and the non-profit sector, she brings deep expertise in fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and delivering strategic change. 

At CDRI, Alpana has been pivotal in forging strategic alliances with governments, international organizations, and philanthropies. She also plays a key role in fortifying institutional systems and board governance mechanisms as the Coalition transitions into an international organization. 

Before joining CDRI, Alpana held senior leadership roles at The George Institute for Global Health, Plan India, WaterAid India, and SOS Children’s Villages, leading institutional fundraising and cultivating strategic partnerships for social impact. 

She holds a Master’s in Finance & Control from Aligarh Muslim University and completed Executive Education at Harvard Business School (CSR India). Her work is driven by a commitment to building enduring, values-based partnerships that accelerate sustainable development outcomes. 

Alpana Saha

Director, Partnerships, Governance, and Resource Mobilisation 

Alpana heads institutional partnerships, governance, and resource mobilization at CDRI, advancing cross-sector collaborations that drive resilient infrastructure programming across Member Countries and organizations. With over 25 years of experience spanning international development, global health, and the non-profit sector, she brings deep expertise in fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and delivering strategic change. 

At CDRI, Alpana has been pivotal in forging strategic alliances with governments, international organizations, and philanthropies. She also plays a key role in fortifying institutional systems and board governance mechanisms as the Coalition transitions into an international organization. 

Before joining CDRI, Alpana held senior leadership roles at The George Institute for Global Health, Plan India, WaterAid India, and SOS Children’s Villages, leading institutional fundraising and cultivating strategic partnerships for social impact. 

She holds a Master’s in Finance & Control from Aligarh Muslim University and completed Executive Education at Harvard Business School (CSR India). Her work is driven by a commitment to building enduring, values-based partnerships that accelerate sustainable development outcomes.