Cyclone vulnerability assessment in the coastal districts of Bangladesh

Abstract

This research aims to assess the vulnerability to cyclones in the coastal regions of Bangladesh, employing a comprehensive framework derived from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC, 2007). The study considers a total of eighteen factors, categorized into three critical dimensions: exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity. These factors are crucial in understanding the potential impact of cyclones in the region. In order to develop a cyclone vulnerability map, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied, primarily focusing on the dimensions of sensitivity and adaptive capacity. The findings of this analysis revealed that sensitivity and adaptive capacity components accounted for a significant percentage of variance in the data, explaining 90.00 % and 90.93 % of the variance, respectively. Despite the lack of details about data collection, the study identified specific factors contributing significantly to each dimension. Notably, proximity to the coastline emerged as a highly influential factor in determining cyclone exposure. The results of this research indicate that certain areas, such as Jessore, Khulna, Narail, Gopalgonj, and Bagerhat, exhibit low exposure to cyclones, whereas regions like Chandpur and Lakshmipur face a high level of exposure. Sensitivity was found to be high in most areas, with Noakhali, Lakshmipur, and Chandpur being the most sensitive regions. Adaptive capacity was observed to vary significantly, with low values near the sea, particularly in locations like Cox's Bazar, Shatkhira, Bagerhat, Noakhali, and Bhola, and high values in regions farther from the coast. Overall, vulnerability to cyclones was found to be very high in Noakhali, Lakshmipur, Chandpur, and Bhola, low in Jessore and Khulna, and moderate in Barisal, Narail, Gopalgonj, and Jhalokati. These findings are expected to provide valuable insights to inform decision-makers and authorities tasked with managing the consequences of cyclones in the region.