Flood Hazards: A Case Study of the Floods in Bangladesh, Asia

Abstract

The presentation describes problem of flooding in Bangladesh: Bangladesh belongs the countries that are affected by flooding the most. The work presents natural hazards happening in Bangladesh, frequent natural disasters causing loss of life, damage to infrastructure and economic assets, impacts on lives and livelihoods. Floods, tropical cyclones, storm surges and droughts are likely to become more frequent and severe in the coming years. Bangladesh lies in the delta of three of the largest rivers in the world – the Brahmaputra, the Ganges and the Meghna and is notable for frequent floods. Social factors are compared. Hence, during the flood hazard the following population groups are at risk: 1) the poor, 2) poor-healthy, 3) women. These groups will suffer much more disproportionately than the group of well-being and healthy men, more so in the coastal and rural areas than elsewhere. The presentation is supported by illustrations, maps and graphs. Presented at the University of Southampton, 2009.