Disasters In Bangladesh Research Articles

Disease Burden in the Context of Disasters: Insights from Over 6.7 million Respondents in the Bangladesh Disaster-Related Statistics of 2021.

The objective of this study was to explore the burden of disasters and adverse health outcomes during and following disasters in Bangladesh. We analyzed 6 788 947 respondents' data from a cross-sectional and nationally representative 2021 Bangladesh Disaster-related Statistics (BDRS). The key explanatory variables were the types of disasters respondents faced, while the outcome variables were the disease burden during and following disasters. Descriptive statistics were used to determine disease burden. A multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression model assessed the association between disease burden and disaster types, along with socio-demographic characteristics of respondents. Nearly 50% of respondents experienced diseases during disasters, rising to 53.4% afterward. Fever, cough and diarrhea were prevalent during and after disasters, with increases in skin diseases, malnutrition, and asthma post-disaster. Vulnerable groups, such as children aged 0-4, hijra individuals, those with lower education, people with disabilities, and rural residents, especially in Chattogram, Rangpur, and Sylhet divisions, were most affected. Floods, cyclones, thunderstorms, and hailstorms significantly increased disease likelihood during and after disasters. The study underscores the complex relationship between disasters and health outcomes in Bangladesh, stressing the need for targeted public health interventions, improved health care infrastructure, and evidence-based policies to mitigate disaster-related health risks.

Bilateral investment treaties and investors’ social accountability: the law and praxis in South Asia

PurposeInternational investment law governs matters related to transnational investments. The extensive reach of transnational corporations (TNCs) has granted them substantial economic, political and social influence, often intertwining them with public interest issues and implications in human rights violations. This paper aims to explore the profound influence exerted by TNCs in today’s globalized world and its implications for human rights and social responsibility within the framework of international investment law. Particularly, it acknowledges the vulnerability of economically weak South Asian states and cites past instances such as the Bhopal gas tragedy in India and the Rana Plaza disaster in Bangladesh as egregious violations of human rights. Focusing on South Asian bilateral investment treaties (BITs), this paper aims to examine the scope of investors’ social accountability.Design/methodology/approachThis research engages with doctrinal and analytical methods in traversing through primary and secondary sources. It would parse the arbitral tribunals’ jurisprudence for their discussion on the inclusion of social accountability obligations within international investment agreements (IIAs). Further, it engages in a quantitative analysis related to the nature of the social accountability-related obligation of the corporation within South Asian BITs.FindingsThe findings reveal a glaring absence of the law on investors’ social accountability and the need for enhanced regulatory mechanisms to address the escalating influence of TNCs on human and social rights. The absence of a robust legal framework, coupled with the asymmetric nature of international investment law, granting investors greater rights and leverage compared to states, exacerbates this challenge. The phenomenon of “regulatory chill” inhibits states from effectively enforcing regulatory measures aimed at protecting human rights and the environment. Furthermore, the broad interpretation of clauses such as “fair and equitable treatment” by investment tribunals often undermines states’ ability to implement measures in the public interest. While international organizations such as the UNCTAD and the UNCITRAL Working Group III are actively discussing reforms to IIAs, the existing guidelines addressing investors’ social accountability are woefully lacking in the content as well as the method of their integration with international human rights law. The findings underscore the imperative for South Asian nations, the subject of this research’s empirical analysis, to adopt a comprehensive approach involving both domestic law reforms to promote corporate social accountability and active pursuit of negotiations for the inclusion of binding social obligations for investors within IIAs.Practical ImplicationsThis research, drawing upon international law developments, offers suggestions for incorporation of social accountability provisions via relevant domestic law reform. The research could be viewed as a prelude for mapping the legal developments in the area of investors’ social accountability within investment agreements, as well as investment contracts, drawing guidance from international law instruments.Originality/ValueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, no other study analysed the scope of investors’ social accountability in South Asian BITs.

IoT-Based Rainfall Monitoring System to Detect Rainy Flood for Coastal Areas of Bangladesh

Flood disasters in Bangladesh’s coastal regions have been a major source of worry due to their damaging effects on both the natural world and people. For this natural disaster to be tracked and efficiently controlled, rainfall measurement must be precise and trustworthy. The rain gauge, which has acquired global acceptability, is the most commonly used instrument for measuring rainfall. This study presents the design and experimental evaluation of a cloud-based sensor-based rain gauge for the real determination of total rainfall and rate. An ultrasonic sensor is connected to a round water container, a round rainwater acquisition, a Bluetooth module, and a data processing unit for data collecting and processing in the proposed recommendation sensor-based rain gauge. Improved rainfall evaluation and detection methods have been created using cutting-edge sensor data processing techniques. Throughout a local rainfall event, the performance of the electronic sensor-based rain gauge is assessed and contrasted with that of a hand-made rain gauge. The experimental results show that the suggested system offers an accurate reading of rainfall quantity and rate per unit of time and area, real-time rainfall monitoring, and reliable and consistent analysis. The created method is made to maintain rainy floods in Bangladesh’s coastal regions by storing rainfall data. The system is anticipated to help the region establish an efficient rainy flood monitoring system. Overall, the suggested digital sensor-based rain gauge offers a useful and trustworthy instrument for managing and monitoring rainfall in Bangladesh’s coastal regions in real-time. GUB JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING, Vol 9(1), 2022 P 52-57

A Narrative Review of Dengue Disaster in Bangladesh: Unprecedented Outbreak and Management Failure

A Narrative Review of Dengue Disaster in Bangladesh: Unprecedented Outbreak and Management Failure

Enhancing water governance and water resources management in Bangladesh

ABSTRACT Bangladesh, a riverine nation with rivers originating beyond its borders, experiences a climatic paradox characterized by excessive monsoon rainfall (June to September) and minimal precipitation during winter (December to February). This climatic duality leads to recurring hydrological disasters, including floods, river erosion, and droughts, causing substantial losses in agriculture, fisheries, navigation, ecology, and biodiversity. Effective water governance is imperative to mitigate these economic and environmental impacts. This study aims to evaluate Bangladesh’s current state of water governance and identify gaps in existing policies and regulations related to water resources management (WRM). It is achieved through a comprehensive review of existing laws, acts, regulations, and policies related to water governance. The study reveals that policy documents developed over the last three decades, aimed at enhancing water governance and reducing vulnerabilities to droughts, floods, and riverbank erosion, have identified only a limited number of critical policy gaps in WRM. The government should prioritize gradually decentralizing management policies to strengthen climate resilience in coastal regions. This research offers insights into improving water governance and WRM and contributes to reducing hydrological disasters in Bangladesh. Additionally, it provides valuable guidance for addressing challenges related to upstream transboundary rivers and formulating future strategies and action plans.

Why modification of the ECLAC methodology for Bangladesh is important? Observation from housing, commerce and transport sector in cyclone Mora in Teknaf Upazila, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh

An immediate and precise Damage and Loss Assessment (DaLA) is necessary after the occurrence of any disaster to bounce back to its previous stage perceiving the recovery needs. Since the ECLAC (Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean) methodology has been identified as the most consistent and comprehensive one worldwide for DaLA, this research aims to apply and modify the ECLAC for the housing, commerce, and transportation sectors in the context of Bangladesh as it needs to incorporate both its formal and informal economies in DaLA. An immediate field visit was performed in Teknaf Upazila after the occurrence of cyclone Mora in 2017 following 12 Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and 135 individual surveys for the above mentioned sectors. This study considers alternative sources for baseline data because of its unavailability and a constant Likert scale throughout the assessment. While applying the ECLAC, several adjustments have been obtained depending on the local characteristics that create differences in the estimation of modified DaLA from the conventional ECLAC. In the case of the housing sector, all three damage, loss, and additional cost estimations are modified. On the other hand, the damage and especially the loss have been revised for the commerce sector. Also the loss and additional cost estimation for the transportation sector have been separated and modifications have been adopted. This study may help to estimate avoiding the over and under-estimation of damage and loss and can be applied in future disasters in Bangladesh and other developing countries. The researchers can develop a complete ECLAC methodology examining the other sectors and the government can take initiatives to apply the revised ECLAC methodology for a proper reconstruction and recovery planning.

Women’s reproductive health in the aftermath of natural disasters in Bangladesh: Prospects for empowerment

In this study, the authors examine the effect of Cyclone Sidr in 2007 on selected aspects of women’s reproductive decision-making in Bangladesh. We used Person in Environment theories to model the effect of cyclone Sidr on the reasons for non-contraception among women who did not want a child. The difference-in-difference approach was used as a research design using Bangladesh Demographic and Health Surveys of 2004 and 2011 to test a model of reasons for non-contraception among a subsample of women who did not want a child. Our results indicated that women experienced fewer social controls on contraceptive use decision-making in the aftermath of a natural disaster.

Optimizing Geotechnical Parameters for Sustainable Road Embankments in Flood Disaster-Prone Areas of Bangladesh

The vulnerability of transportation infrastructure to flood disasters in Bangladesh necessitates strategic interventions to optimize geotechnical parameters for sustainable road embankments. This study focuses on a flood disaster-prone region of Bangladesh, aiming to enhance the resilience and sustainability of road infrastructure in the face of recurring floods. The research is driven by the imperative to develop effective engineering strategies that mitigate the impact of floods on road embankments, ensuring safe and reliable transportation networks. The study area is characterized by a complex interplay of geographic and geological factors that contribute to its susceptibility to flooding. Understanding the local geology is crucial for tailoring geotechnical parameters to the specific conditions of the region. Detailed analyses of soil types, their composition, and formation processes provide the foundation for the subsequent optimization efforts. The methodology employed involves systematic sampling along a Road, incorporating both in-situ and laboratory testing. Geotechnical analyses include the evaluation of critical parameters such as California Bearing Ratio (CBR), shear strength, and soil composition. These analyses are instrumental in identifying key geotechnical characteristics that significantly influence the performance of road embankments during flood events. The optimization process encompasses the application of advanced techniques to enhance the resilience of road embankments. The results and subsequent discussions delve into the effectiveness of the optimization strategies in comparison to existing standards and guidelines for road construction. This involves a comprehensive assessment of soil properties, composition, and the outcomes of the optimization process. Finally, the study sheds light on the critical role of geotechnical parameters in developing sustainable road embankments in flood-prone areas. The findings not only contribute to the understanding of the study area but also offer valuable insights for broader applications in flood disaster mitigation in Bangladesh. The research emphasizes the need for a proactive approach to optimize geotechnical parameters, paving the way for resilient and sustainable road infrastructure that can withstand the challenges posed by recurrent floods.

A Critical Review of Community Resilience Building Framework: Contexts of Climate Change and Disasters in Bangladesh

A Critical Review of Community Resilience Building Framework: Contexts of Climate Change and Disasters in Bangladesh

Gender-based vulnerabilities for women during natural disasters in Bangladesh

IntroductionFactors that negatively impact women's disaster experiences include poor disaster preparedness, lack of access to a safe place, displacement worries, distance from shelters, risk of abuse in shelters, poverty, and low cultural position of women in rural Bangladesh. This study aimed to give voice to women who experienced gender-based vulnerabilities during natural disasters.MethodsThe research was conducted with women in the two disaster-prone areas utilizing a qualitative approach. Women, aged 18 years or above, who were permanent residents of the selected disaster-prone areas and have experienced one or more disasters, were invited to participate in the study. Twenty-four women volunteered to participate. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interview recordings containing questions on sociodemographic characteristics and open-ended questions to assess gender-based vulnerabilities during disasters; data were analyzed using thematic analysis techniques.ResultsOne main theme and six sub-themes emerged from the analysis. Women were often in the middle of making life choices between the risk of being abused and death in disasters. Shelters lacked privacy, heightened the risk of abuse, and women faced social stigma if displaced from their homes during a disaster. The women also experienced health risks because of inadequate hygiene and poor living arrangements such as a lack of adequate shelters, toilet facilities, and secure gender-segregated living arrangements if relocation was essential during a disaster.DiscussionFindings from this study provide guidance to policymakers and disaster aid organizations on disaster preparedness and post-disaster facilities to address the socio-cultural needs of rural women in disaster-prone areas of Bangladesh.

Factors Affecting Farmers’ Adoption of Flood Adaptation Strategies Using Structural Equation Modeling

Floods are a frequent disaster in Bangladesh, and farmers are the most at risk. Understanding how to improve the farmers’ flood adaption is important to reduce flood effects. Protection motivation theory (PMT) has been widely used to examine flood adaptation behavior, but there is still debate regarding the quantitative effect of PMT factors on flood adaption behavior, particularly in a geographically vulnerable context. This study integrates psychological aspects based on PMT to assess farmers’ flood adaptability. A cross-sectional survey was conducted to collect data from 359 farmers. We employed structural equation modeling to test a PMT model with mediation analysis. The results showed that farmers who perceive a higher flood risk and feel more fear of floods are more likely to implement flood adaptation measures. Similarly, farmers adopt more adaptive actions if they have higher self-efficacy and response efficacy. However, they are less likely to take adaptive actions if they are subject to maladaptation. Maladaptation plays a significant role as a mediating variable. These findings will act as recommendations for government agencies to design policy measures to strengthen flood risk management. The study supports the theory of protection motivation to understand farmers’ flood adaptation behavior. However, further study is required to enhance and generalize the existing model.

Estimation of earthquake vulnerability by using analytical hierarchy process

Earthquake is one of the most damaging disasters in Bangladesh and vulnerability assessment is the precondition for evaluating the risk of earthquake. The main goal of this study is to estimate the vulnerability in Chittagong city by using analytical hierarchy process. Several factors have been applied to generate social vulnerability and structural vulnerability. The analytical hierarchy process has been applied for criteria weight estimation, ranking of priorities and to evaluate the alternatives of criterion. A pair-wise comparison is applied at all levels. Finally, the vulnerable zones of Chittagong city have been extracted. The findings through this research reveal that Chittagong city exhibits both social and structural vulnerabilities. In terms of social vulnerability, 21.74% of Chittagong city falls under very high, 33.60% high, 10.27% moderate, 7.78% low and 26.60% is under very low vulnerability areas. Due to the structural vulnerability, 21.75% of the city area is under very high, 29.67% high, 15.90% moderate, 30.80% low and 1.87% is under very low vulnerability zone. The present study of earthquake vulnerability assessment may be fruitful in combating the losses and mitigating the risk.

Predicting social and health vulnerability to floods in Bangladesh

Abstract. Floods are the most common and damaging natural disaster in Bangladesh, and the effects of floods on public health have increased significantly in recent decades, particularly among lower socioeconomic populations. Assessments of social vulnerability on flood-induced health outcomes typically focus on local to regional scales; a notable gap remains in comprehensive, large-scale assessments that may foster disaster management practices. In this study, socioeconomic, health, and coping capacity vulnerability and composite social-health vulnerability are assessed using both equal-weight and principal-component approaches using 26 indicators across Bangladesh. Results indicate that vulnerable zones exist in the northwest riverine areas, northeast floodplains, and southwest region, potentially affecting 42 million people (26 % of the total population). Subsequently, the vulnerability measures are linked to flood forecast and satellite inundation information to evaluate their potential for predicting actual flood impact indices (distress, damage, disruption, and health) based on the immense August 2017 flood event. Overall, the forecast-based equally weighted vulnerability measures perform best. Specifically, socioeconomic and coping capacity vulnerability measures strongly align with the distress, disruption, and health impact records observed. Additionally, the forecast-based composite social-health vulnerability index also correlates well with the impact indices, illustrating its utility in identifying predominantly vulnerable regions. These findings suggest the benefits and practicality of this approach to assess both thematic and comprehensive spatial vulnerabilities, with the potential to support targeted and coordinated public disaster management and health practices.

Seeking Shelter: The factors that influence refuge since Cyclone Gorky in the Coastal Area of Bangladesh

Considering damage and loss of lives, cyclones are the most severe natural disaster in Bangladesh. One of the most important cyclone mitigation measures is to temporarily evacuate the vulnerable population on receipt of warning and look after them by arranging shelters with adequate facilities. To ensure effective and efficient evacuation, it is important to better understand people's protective actions and hazard decision making. This paper provides an assessment of the factors associated with evacuation to cyclone shelters in coastal areas in Bangladesh over the past 30 years. It is based on the comparative study of Cyclone Amphan (2020) and three major historical cyclones: Gorky (1991), Sidr (2007) and Aila (2009). Primary data sources included surveys, focus group discussions, key informant interviews and formal and informal conversations; and secondary data sources included reports, policies and design documents. 210 participants from seven coastal districts severely affected by Cyclone Amphan are selected for the study. While substantial improvements in the disaster response infrastructure were made in the last three decades, shelter evacuation rates are still low. It was found that the majority of people are still taking a ‘wait-and-see’ approach mainly due to the fear of losing property. It was found that partial evacuation, observing environmental cues prior to evacuation and seeking refuge in neighbours' houses, is indirectly associated with the fear of losing property. There is also inadequate spatial distribution of cyclone shelters with minimal facilities. This study provides recommendations to intensify risk-based planning for cyclone shelters and gender-responsive efforts to ensure a safe environment for the community to seek refuge at shelters with proper planning at the community level.

Acute Kidney Injury in Crush Syndrome and Renal Disaster-Experience in Bangladesh after garment factory collapse

Background: Crush-syndrome usually resulting from earthquake and other natural disaster causes mortality and morbidity. A multistoried garment factory collapsed in Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh on 24th April 2013 with about 4000 workers. Among the rescued victims, many of them develop crush – syndrome and AKI that led to a man-made renal disaster in Bangladesh. We analyzed outcome of severe AKI patient who required renal replacement therapy.
 Methods: Victims from accident site were first treated in primarily local hospital and primary care center. Suspected crush syndrome patients were rapidly transferred to tertiary hospital for dialysis and ICU support. We collect data of severe AKI patient by a standard questionnairebased onrenal disaster relief force – crush syndrome patient questionnaire.
 Results: We had experienced many AKI and crush syndrome after collapsed garment factory with 3500 workers which created a manmade renal disaster. We observed 27 severe AKI due to crush syndrome of Rana plaza with mean age 25.12 years, most of them were female (51.85%). Victims rescued as early as possible, average rescue time was 20.30 hours, 62.96% developed compartment syndrome and required fasciotomy. All of them got dialysis treatment; some of them required ICU support. Among all, 67% recovered completely and 26% died. Main causes of death were infection and DIC with MOF.
 Conclusions: Crush injury victims who developed severe AKI, required dialysis. Severe AKI patients who required dialysis had high mortality and morbidity. Early intervention to prevent AKI and complications may reduce mortality and morbidity.
 Bangladesh J Medicine July 2021; 32(2) : 107-112

A Study of Enhancing the Prediction Techniques of Lightning Over Bangladesh Based on the Lightning Potential Index and Electric Field

The thunderstorm is a typical extreme weather event that has become one of the most alarming disasters in Bangladesh because of its more frequent occurrences and devastations in recent years. The purpose of this study is to investigate the physical and dynamical characteristics of thunderstorms using Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. Three domains of 9-km, 3-km, and 1-km grid size have been used for the simulation of two events over Dhaka (25-April-2018) and Khulna (11-May-2018). The simulated results are then compared with the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) and University of Wyoming observed data. Lightning Potential Index (LPI) has been calculated by using different hydrometeors and vertical wind. For the calculation of electric field of thunder-cloud, we have considered an algorithm where ice and graupel are the main charge carriers. Convective Available Potential Energy (CAPE) and Total Total Index (TTI) are found over 1500 J/kg and 48°C respectively ten hours prior to the event. Vertical wind has been found around 4 m/s before the event. Ice and graupel mixing ratios are found at very high concentrations at cloud center. Maximum value of LPI is found 0.163 J/kg in Dhaka and 0.8 J/kg in Khulna. The electric field is found to be 70 kV/m at a vertical height of 8 km in Dhaka and -125 kV/m at a vertical height of 7 km in Khulna. All the parameters are recognized to be favorable for the occurrence of thunderstorms and lightning which indicates that the techniques used in this study may be useful to predict future thunderstorm events in Bangladesh.

River Bank Erosion, Induced Population Migration and Adaptation Strategies in the Sirajganj Sadar Upazila, Bangladesh

Riverbank erosion, a regular natural phenomenon in the lower confluence deltaic country like Bangladesh. Among the natural disaster effecting Bangladesh each year, river bank erosion is the most vulnerable in term of effected people and loss of assets. As a riverine country there are huge number of rivers and their tributaries and distributaries criss-crossed over the country, but the mighty three rivers like the Padma, Jamuna and Meghna are mostly known for the erosional characteristics. River bank erosion possesses as a significant, endemic and recurrent natural disaster in Bangladesh by these rivers. This research is designed to explore the erosional pattern of the river Jamuna and its impact on population migration and the adaptation strategy of the migrants. For the study primary data were collected from the study area through questionnaire survey, FGD and mapping analysis while secondary data were collected from published and unpublished reports of different offices such as land office, union parisad office, census report, BBS, WDB etc. However, to analyze the trend of erosion mapping analysis was conducted through ArcGIS 10.3 and for statistical analysis SPSS software was used. The research findings indicate that the Jamuna is a highly dynamic river in term of erosion. Due to its severity and dynamic erosional pattern possess mass number of people to be displaced by losing settlements and agricultural land. River bank erosion of Jamuna River invites many obligatory problems at different stages of displacements like loss of residence, household assets, agricultural land etc. Though it pushes the victims to readjust all their activities associated to livelihood pattern as an adaptation strategy with a newer socio-environmental situation, but very often becomes unable to recover the damage even spending considerable time. From this point of view, river bank erosion needs to be considered as a unique disaster and give attention to take comprehensive riverbank erosion management policy, so that problem can be minimized to a tiny scale.

Causes Impacts of Flood Disaster in Bangladesh: Special Focus on Public Health

Introduction: Bangladesh is one of the disaster-prone countries in the world and the flood is the mostcommon natural hazard, because of its geographical characteristics, extensive rivers network, climatechange effects, monsoon climate, and the coastal morphology. Aims: This study aimed at exploring thecauses of flood disasters in Bangladesh and its impacts on socioeconomic and public health. Methodology:This study utilized quantitative data from the Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters (CRED)and other databases. Results: From 1985 to 2019 the country has experienced a total of 234 natural disastersand among total disasters, storm and flood are common disasters which represent 51.71% and 31.62%respectively. Within 34 years (1985-2019) the country was flooded 74 times and the 10965 people diedwith 222371823 people were affected and total economical damage was 12131800 (‘000US$). Conclusion:The flood impact in Bangladesh on socioeconomic, public health is significant. After the flood, early healtheffects are skin infection, pneumonia, respiratory infection and late effects are mosquito-borne illnesses,hepatitis A or E virus infection, and mental disorders.

Role of organizations in preparedness and emergency response to flood disaster in Bangladesh

The present study is to know the role of organizations and make an assessment on their assistance regarding preparedness and emergency response of flood disaster affected people. This study has used a mixed-method approach. Flood-affected people were the respondents to evaluate the organizational role. The study reveals that before the flood in 2017 to minimize the loss and damages, the GOs play a very effective role concerning the arrangement of preparatory meetings and preparing shelter centers, and NGOs play a very useful role in making arrangements for awareness-building training. During the emergency period, the GOs played a comparatively better role in providing CI sheets, agricultural assistance and cash money as relief for establishing housing facilities and emergency support. The NGOs played relatively a better role in providing food, water, clothes, medicine, etc. This study put forward complications such as limited sanctions, disruption of communication, lack of awareness of sufferers, and overlapping. The findings of this study would be a significant for the disaster policymakers, and civil societies.

The Rana Plaza disaster seven years on: Transnational experiments and perhaps a new treaty?

AbstractThis article examines several noteworthy initiatives that were implemented following the deadly 2013 Rana Plaza disaster in Bangladesh. They broke new ground in transnational labour law. The ILO‐backed initiatives were largely successful but remain insufficient to achieve lasting change in the ready‐made garment industry, where global brands’ supply chain buying practices constrain investment in occupational safety and health. A proposed United Nations treaty on business and human rights now seeks to enhance corporate accountability. Although promising, as part of a smart mix of multi‐level public and private solutions, the treaty needs fine‐tuning in the light of lessons learned from post‐Rana Plaza experiments.