Traditional Knowledge to Read Hydro-Meteorological Hazards in Teesta Floodplain, Bangladesh

Abstract

Abstract​Traditional knowledge is learned from experience or acquired through practices and observations which provide a valuable aid to forecast local hydro-meteorological hazards. However, traditional knowledge is less documented, often neglected by science, and consequently in danger of being lost. Hazard-prone communities developed their traditional means for disaster preparedness, prevention, mitigation, response, and recovery. The purpose of this study was to investigate the physical and biological indicators used by the riverine people to predict hydro-meteorological hazards in the Teesta floodplain of Bangladesh. Data were collected through semi-structured focus group discussions and informal interviews with the residents of the Teesta floodplain in Bangladesh. The data were analyzed using the thematic content analysis method. This study revealed that the riparian communities do possess a wide variety of local warning signs concerning behaviors of certain animals, the yield of crops, the direction of the wind, color of clouds, presence of stars, and pattern of river flow to reduce the risk of disasters. These local warning signs are very crucial for the riparian people as they are living in the remote areas where national level warning system works rarely. The findings from this study will be helpful to the relevant stakeholders to evaluate and integrate traditional knowledge for successful disaster risk management.KeywordsHydro-meteorological hazardsTraditional knowledgeRiverine communitiesTeesta floodplain