Cyclone wind hazard assessment in coastal regions of bangladesh

Abstract

One of the most dangerous cyclone basins of the world is located in the Bay of Bengal and the population most affected lives in coastal areas in Bangladesh. Bangladesh often suffers from many climate induced disasters such as flood, drought, cyclone etc among which the cyclone is the most catastrophic one. The coastal morphology of Bangladesh influences the impact of cyclone hazards on the area. Especially in the south western area, cyclone hazards increase the vulnerability of the coastal dwellers and slow down the process of social and economic development. This includes districts like Chittagong, Noakhali, Patuakhali, Barisal, and Khulna where the cyclones strike most in Bangladesh. Cyclones continue to pose a dangerous threat to the coastal populations of Bangladesh, despite improvements in disaster control procedures. After 138,000 persons died in the April 1991 cyclone, a rapid epidemiological assessment was carried out to determine factors associated with cyclone-related mortality and to identify prevention strategies. Wind hazard assessment of the cyclones that make landfall in the coastal regions of Bangladesh is of great significance. To understand the land falling tropical cyclones of Bangladesh and the associated risk and vulnerability in coastal areas is also important and accurate results and probability of hazard assessment can be done through the application of GIS in the wind speed analysis of cyclones for the purpose. It is hoped that this study will contribute to taking proper disaster planning efforts in Bangladesh especially in the mitigation phase for the reduction of damage from the cyclone hazard. Future cyclone-associated mortality in Bangladesh could be prevented by more effective warnings leading to an earlier response, better access to designated cyclone shelters, and improved preparedness in high-risk communities.