Impact of costal embankment on the flash flood in Bangladesh: a case study

Abstract

Coastal areas of Bangladesh frequently experience tropical cyclones and associated tidal bore. In order to prevent cyclonic or storm-surge flooding and to increase crop production by preventing intrusion of saline ocean water, many coastal embankment projects were initiated in the 1960s by the Bangladesh government. After construction of these embankments, particularly their reconstruction in 1991 has increased the frequency of flash floods in coastal areas. The objective of this study is to examine to what extent the reconstruction of embankment is responsible for the increased severity of flash flooding at the Chokoria thana of the Cox’s Bazar district, Bangladesh. Using hydrological data and perception of the respondents on the increased flooding through the rapid rural appraisal (RRA) method, it was found that severity of the flood increased after the reconstruction of embankments in 1991. Other causes of increased flooding is also explored.