Modeling on the spatial vulnerability of lightning disaster in Bangladesh using GIS and IDW techniques

Abstract

This paper tries to explore the spatial patterns of lightning disaster death susceptibility in Bangladesh. It is prior need to identify the factors of death due to lightning hazard, seasonal variability, and spatial risks to develop management strategies of this country. To reach the study goal, lightning fatalities data were collected from the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, Bangladesh. The geostatistical IDW model of GIS technology was applied to assess the spatial vulnerability of lightning disaster. The geospatial prediction maps produced from the study determines the spatial heterogeneity of lightning risk. Generated statistics demonstrates that the Surma Basin, northwest Brinda tract, and northern Tertiary hilly region of Bangladesh are more susceptible to lightning disaster during the time span 2015–2018. Analysis results also discloses numerous factors such as climatic variability, geomorphological diverseness and anthropogenic phenomena influencing lightning catastrophes. Moreover, this study suggests that government and non-government disaster management organizations can play vital role to take initiative in risk assess, policy creation review, awareness building and campaign, community-based early warning system, emergency management system and appropriate technology piloting as well as implementation. The rationale of this study will contribute to assess spatial lightning strikes, mitigate locational vulnerability and promote sustainable development plans for reducing lightning disaster risk. In the future, GIS-based communication model like this can applied to raise awareness and educating and engaging the public through public–private partnership of the lightning hot spot regions.