Natural Hazards and Disaster Management

Biography

Biography: Gulsan Ara Parvin

Abstract

Bangladesh is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world. Especially, climate related disasters like flood and cyclone are most common in Bangladesh. About 6-10% of the world’s tropical cyclones generate at the Bay of Bengal. Because of its geographical feature, frequent cyclones and cyclone induced storm surge is one of the critical issues of development concern of Bangladesh. Historical records show that Bangladesh experiences severe cyclone every four and one-half years and it cost huge loss of lives and damages. It is about 2 decades it was calculated that approximately 75% of global deaths due to cyclone take place in Bangladesh. Though the number of death has been reduced, in the last decade, Cyclone Sidr caused deaths of about 3,460 people and by latest severe cyclone Aila approximately 190 people were died across 11 districts and 4.8 million people were affected. Due to introduce cyclone preparedness program (CPP), multipurpose cyclone shelter program and such other disaster management initiatives of government and non-government organizations, number of death in cyclone has been reduced significantly. Nonetheless, cyclone warning system is not yet so much familiar to the local rural community. According to the local people’s perception due to lack of different expected information, during cyclone, people become panic and fail to take right and timely decision that can save their lives and assets. Cyclone warning system needs to incorporate such information and guidance to minimize loss and damage. With an empirical study in the cyclone Aila affected area of Bangladesh, this paper aims to examine the limitations of warning system during cyclone Aila. At the same time, it intends to explore people’s expectation related to cyclone warning system. It is expected that this research outcomes would facilitate to have an improved need-oriented cyclone warning system for coastal community of Bangladesh.