Assessing and mapping the vulnerability index of Bangladesh to natural and climate-induced disasters: A spatial analysis at the subdistrict level

Authors

  • MD. HASAN IMAM Agro-Meteorological Information Systems Development Project, Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Farmgate, Dhaka-1215, Bangladesh
  • URMEE AHSAN Agro-Meteorological Information Systems Development Project, Department of Agricultural Extension(DAE), Farmgate, Dhaka-1215, Bangladesh
  • FARHANA HOQUE Agro-Meteorological Information Systems Development Project, Department of Agricultural Extension(DAE), Farmgate, Dhaka-1215
  • SABUJ ROY Agro-Meteorological Information Systems Development Project, Department of Agricultural Extension(DAE), Farmgate, Dhaka-1215, Bangladesh
  • NAZNINE KHANUM Department of Agricultural Extension(DAE), Farmgate, Dhaka-1215, Bangladesh
  • MUHAMMAD MOSHIUR RAHMAN Department of Agricultural Extension(DAE), Farmgate, Dhaka-1215, Bangladesh
  • MAZHARUL AZIZ Agro-Meteorological Information Systems Development Project, Department of Agricultural Extension(DAE), Farmgate, Dhaka-1215
  • MD. MIZANUR RAHMAN Agro-Meteorological Information Systems Development Project, Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Dhaka, Bangladesh
  • TANVIR SIDDIKE MOIN Department of Civil Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Dhaka, Bangladesh
  • MD. MAFIZUR RAHMAN Department of Civil Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Dhaka, Bangladesh

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54386/jam.v26i4.2710

Keywords:

Vulnerability index, Climate change, Natural disasters, Principal component analysis, Heat wave, Flash flood

Abstract

This study assesses and maps the vulnerability index of Bangladesh at the subdistrict level to a range of natural and climate-induced disasters. Four vulnerability index maps are created using principal component analysis and categorized into five risk levels: (1) no/very low risk, (2) low risk, (3) moderate risk, (4) high risk and (5) very high risk for each sub-district. The results reveal that the south east region is highly vulnerable to cyclones, Haor region stands out as the most vulnerable area for flash floods, with numerous subdistricts facing very high to high risk levels; northern and north-eastern regions are prone to cold waves, while the western part of Bangladesh is highly vulnerable to heat waves. This comprehensive spatial analysis provides critical information for disaster risk reduction and adaptation strategies, assisting decision-makers in identifying the most vulnerable areas and prioritizing interventions. The findings of this study might be useful for policymakers as well as planners.

References

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Published

01-12-2024

How to Cite

IMAM, M. H., AHSAN, U., HOQUE, F., ROY, S., KHANUM, N., RAHMAN, M. M., AZIZ, M., RAHMAN, M. M., MOIN, T. S., & RAHMAN, M. M. (2024). Assessing and mapping the vulnerability index of Bangladesh to natural and climate-induced disasters: A spatial analysis at the subdistrict level. Journal of Agrometeorology, 26(4), 459–465. https://doi.org/10.54386/jam.v26i4.2710

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Research Paper

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