Skip to main content
Book cover

Climate Change, Disaster Risks, and Human Security pp 291–316Cite as

After the 2004 Bangladesh Flood: Integrated Management for Flood Disaster Risk Reduction in Four Different Areas

  • 362 Accesses

Part of the Disaster Risk Reduction book series (DRR)

Abstract

Flood disaster is a critical issue in Bangladesh, with the most severe cases of flooding occurring in July and August. Regular river floods affect 20% of the country, increasing up to 68% in extreme years. After such catastrophic floods, the policy, action, strategy, and plan for flood disaster risk reduction have been developed. The floods of 1987, 1988, 1998, 2004, and 2007 were particularly catastrophic, resulting in large-scale destruction and loss of lives. After the 1988 flood, a strategy of “living with the floods” was developed to achieve sustainable agricultural development and this concept was integrated into the country’s Flood Action Plan. In 1998, 68% of Bangladesh was inundated by floods. The earthen embankments were unable to give protection against the floods in 1998, even against some medium floods in the 1990s. Catastrophic disasters in the 1990s affected institutional development, giving rise to an integrated water resource management program. In 2004, Bangladesh experienced devastating floods from July to September, with 56,000 km2 (about 38% of the country) inundated. Consequently, a more comprehensive risk reduction program was established to effectively address the complexity of water management. This paper looks at the flood history of Bangladesh, the different flood phenomena and approaches used after 2004, and the ways climate and social change affected flood disaster mitigation and people’s livelihood. It then discusses an integrated program for disaster risk reduction and resource management.

Keywords

  • Bangladesh
  • Flood disaster risk reduction
  • Climate change
  • Social change
  • Local people’s participation

This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution.

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • DOI: 10.1007/978-981-15-8852-5_14
  • Chapter length: 26 pages
  • Instant PDF download
  • Readable on all devices
  • Own it forever
  • Exclusive offer for individuals only
  • Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout
eBook
USD   109.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • ISBN: 978-981-15-8852-5
  • Instant PDF download
  • Readable on all devices
  • Own it forever
  • Exclusive offer for individuals only
  • Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout
Softcover Book
USD   149.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
Hardcover Book
USD   149.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
Learn about institutional subscriptions
Fig. 14.1
Fig. 14.2

(Source Department of Disaster Management 2014)

Fig. 14.3
Fig. 14.4

(Source CRED 2016)

Fig. 14.5

(Source World Bank 2016, http://www.multpl.com/bangladesh-population)

Fig. 14.6
Fig. 14.7
Fig. 14.8
Fig. 14.9

(Source Based on OCHA/ReliefWeb 2004)

Fig. 14.10

(Source http://en.banglapedia.org/images/thumb/0/06/FloodAffectedArea.jpg/457px-FloodAffectedArea.jpg)

Fig. 14.11
Fig. 14.12
Fig. 14.13
Fig. 14.14
Fig. 14.15
Fig. 14.16

References

  • Afrin S (2015) Livelihood pattern of flooded families in Bangladesh: a study in two villages. Dhaka University Institutional Repository, Institute of Social Welfare and Research, University of Dhaka, Dhaka (Bangladesh)

    Google Scholar 

  • Asfar R (1999) Is migration transferring rural poverty to urban areas? An analysis of longitudinal survey data of Dhaka city. Paper presented at the workshop ‘Changes and Determinants of Urban Poverty.’ Grameen Trust, Grameen Bank, Dhaka (Bangladesh)

    Google Scholar 

  • Ali A Md S (2007) September 2004 flood event in southwestern Bangladesh: a study of its nature, causes, and human perception and adjustments to a new hazard. Nat Haz 40(1):89–111

    Google Scholar 

  • BFSC (Bangladesh Food Security Cluster) (2014) Contingency plan for flooding. Food Security Cluster, Bangladesh. https://fscluster.org/sites/default/files/documents/FSC%20Bangladesh%20Contingency%20Plan%20for%20Flooding_12.08.2014.pdf (accessed 4 Feb 2019)

  • Brammer H, Khan HR (1991) Bangladesh country study. In Asian Development Bank (ed) Disaster mitigation: in Asia and the Pacific. Asian Development Bank, Manila (Philippines)

    Google Scholar 

  • Brouwer R, Akter S, Brander L, Haque E (2007) Socioeconomic vulnerability and adaptation to environmental risk: A case study of climate change and flooding in Bangladesh. Risk Anal 27(2):313–326. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.4539-6924.2007.00884.x

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Cash RA, Halder SR, Husain M, Islam Md S, Mallick FH, May MA, Rahman M, Rahman MA (2013) Reducing the health effect of natural hazards in Bangladesh. In Bangladesh: Innovation for universal health Coverage 5, vol 382. www.thelancet.com

  • CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) (2014) World fact book. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/bg.html. Accessed 23 Oct 2014

  • CRED (Centre of Research on Epidemiology of Disasters) (2016) EM-DAT The international disaster database. http://www.emdat.be/advanced_search/index.html. Accessed 23 Aug 2016

  • DDM (Department of Disaster Management) (2014) Flood response preparedness plan of Bangladesh, June 2014. Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, DDM, Dhaka (Bangladesh)

    Google Scholar 

  • DER (Disaster and Emergency Response) Sub-Group (2004) Post-flood needs assessment. Summary report, Monsoon floods 2004. DER, Dhaka (Bangladesh), 30 Sept 04

    Google Scholar 

  • DMB (Disaster Management Bureau) (2010) National plan for disaster management 2010–2015. DMB, Dhaka (Bangladesh)

    Google Scholar 

  • Douglas I (2009) Climate change, flooding and food security in south Asia. Food Secur 1:127–136

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • FFWC (Flood Forecasting and Warning System) (2005) Consolidation and strengthening of flood forecasting and warning services, Final report. Volume II—Monitoring and evaluation. Bangladesh Water Development Board, Dhaka (Bangladesh)

    Google Scholar 

  • GoB (Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh) (2010) National plan for disaster management 2010–2015. Disaster Management Bureau, Disaster Management and Relief Division, Dhaka (Bangladesh)

    Google Scholar 

  • Haque CE (1993) Flood prevention and mitigation actions in Bangladesh: the ‘sustainable floodplain development’ approach. Impact Assessment 11(4):367–390

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Hofer T, Messerli B (2006) Floods in Bangladesh. History, dynamics and rethinking the role of the Himalayas. United Nations University Press, Tokyo

    Google Scholar 

  • IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) (2007) Climate change 2007: Synthesis report. The Fourth Assessment Report, IPCC. http://www.un-documents.net/ipcc-ar4/syr.pdf. Accessed 4 Feb 2019

  • Islam MR (2006) Managing diverse land uses in coastal Bangladesh: Institutional approaches. In: Environment and livelihoods in tropical coastal zones: CAB international, pp 237–248. http://www.pg-du.com/cru/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Hoanh_1845931076-Chapter18.pdf. Accessed 4 Feb 2019

  • Islam M, Sakakibara H, Karim M, Sekine M, Mahmud Z (2011) Bacteriological assessment of drinking water supply options in coastal areas of Bangladesh. J Water Health 9(2):415–428

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Khatun M (2013) Climate change and migration in Bangladesh: golden Bengal to land of disasters. Bangladesh e-J Sociol 10(2):64–79

    Google Scholar 

  • LCG (Local Consultative Group) (2004) Monsoon floods 2004: post-flood needs assessment. Summary report. Disaster and Emergency Response Sub-Group, LCG, Dhaka (Bangladesh)

    Google Scholar 

  • OCHA/ReliefWeb (2004) Bangladesh: Monsoon floods 2004—Draft assessment report, 28 July 2004. http://reliefweb.int/report/bangladesh/bangladesh-floods-situation-report-19-jul-2004

  • Mehedi H (2010) Climate-induced displacement: case study of cyclone Aila in the southwest coastal region of Bangladesh. HumanityWatch, Khulna

    Google Scholar 

  • Mirza Q (2002) Global warming and changes in the probability of occurrence of floods in Bangladesh and implications. Global Environ Change 12(2):127–138

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • MoDMR (Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief) (2014) Flood response preparedness plan of Bangladesh, June 2014. Department of Disaster Management, MoDMR, Dhaka (Bangladesh)

    Google Scholar 

  • MoEF (Ministry of Environment and Forests) (2009a) Bangladesh climate change strategy and action plan 2009, government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. MoEF, Dhaka (Bangladesh)

    Google Scholar 

  • MoEF (Ministry of Environment and Forests) (2009b) Bangladesh climate change strategy and action plan. http://www.moef.gov.bd/climate_change_strategy2009.pdf

  • Nishat A et al (2000) The 1998 flood: impact on environment of Dhaka City. Ministry of Environment and Forest and IUCN (The International Union for Conservation of Nature), Dhaka (Bangladesh)

    Google Scholar 

  • Parvin GA, Fujita K, Matsuyama A, Shaw R, Sakamoto M (2015) Climate change, flood, food security and human health: Cross-cutting issues in Bangladesh. In: Habiba U, Hassan A, Abedin M, Shaw R (eds) Food security and risk reduction in Bangladesh. Disaster risk reduction (methods, approaches and practices). Springer, Tokyo (Japan)

    Google Scholar 

  • Parvin GA, Ali MH, Fujita K, Abedin MA, Habiba U, Shaw R (2017) Land use change in southwestern coastal Bangladesh: consequence to food and water supply. In: Banba M, Shaw R (eds) Land use management in disaster risk reduction. Disaster risk reduction (methods, approaches and practices). Springer, Tokyo (Japan), pp 381–401

    Google Scholar 

  • Planning Commission (2010) Outline perspective plan of Bangladesh 2010–2021 (vision 2021). Planning Commission, Dhaka (Bangladesh)

    Google Scholar 

  • Rahman R, Salehin M (2013) Flood risk and reduction approaches in Bangladesh. In: Shaw R, Mallick F, Islam A (eds) Disaster risk reduction approaches in Bangladesh. Springer, Tokyo/New York, pp 65–90

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Rahman MM, Hossain MA, Bhattacharya AK (2014) An analytical study of flood management in Bangladesh. IOSR J Eng 4(1):1–6

    Google Scholar 

  • Salehin M, Haque A, Rahman MR, Khan MSA, Bala SK (2007) Hydrological aspects of 2004 floods in Bangladesh. J Hydrol Meteorol Nepal 4(1):33–44

    Google Scholar 

  • Sarker AA, Rashid AKMM (2013) Landslide and flashflood in Bangladesh. In: Shaw R, Mallick F, Islam A (eds) Disaster risk reduction approaches in Bangladesh. Disaster risk reduction (methods, approaches and practices). Springer, Tokyo (Japan)

    Google Scholar 

  • Shaw R, Aminul I, Fuad M (2013) Chapter 3: National perspectives of disaster risk reduction in Bangladesh. In: Disaster risk reduction approaches in Bangladesh. Springer, Tokyo (Japan). https://books.google.co.jp/books?isbn=4431542523

  • Shukla PR (2003) Climate change and India. University Press India, Hyderabad (India)

    Google Scholar 

  • Stern N (2007) The economics of climate change: The Stern review. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • Thiele-Eich I, Burkart K, Simmer C (2015) Trends in water level and flooding in Dhaka, Bangladesh and their impact on mortality. Int J Environ Res Public Health 12(2):1196–1215

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • WARPO (Water Resources Planning Organization) (2005) National Adaptation Program of Action (NAPA): water, coastal areas, natural disaster and health sector. WARPO, Dhaka (Bangladesh)

    Google Scholar 

  • WB (World Bank) (2016) http://www.multpl.com/bangladesh-population. Accessed 1 Dec 2016

  • Zimmermann M, Glombitza K-F, Rothenberger B (2009) Disaster risk reduction programme for Bangladesh 2010–2012. Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, Bern, Switzerland

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgment

The authors wish to thank the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) for their support of the SATREPS Project “Research project on disaster prevention/mitigation measures against floods and storm surges in Bangladesh.”

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. International Consortium on Landslides, Kyoto, Japan

    Kumiko Fujita

  2. Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University, Kanagawa, Japan

    Rajib Shaw

  3. Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan

    Gulsan Ara Parvin

Authors
  1. Kumiko Fujita
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Rajib Shaw
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Gulsan Ara Parvin
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Kumiko Fujita .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Social Forestry and Forest Governance, College of Forestry & Natural Resources (CFNR), University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines

    Juan M. Pulhin

  2. Faculty of Human Sciences, Waseda University, Saitama, Japan

    Makoto Inoue

  3. Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University, Kanagawa, Japan

    Prof. Rajib Shaw

Rights and permissions

Reprints and Permissions

Copyright information

© 2021 Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.

About this chapter

Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Fujita, K., Shaw, R., Parvin, G.A. (2021). After the 2004 Bangladesh Flood: Integrated Management for Flood Disaster Risk Reduction in Four Different Areas. In: Pulhin, J.M., Inoue, M., Shaw, R. (eds) Climate Change, Disaster Risks, and Human Security. Disaster Risk Reduction. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-8852-5_14

Download citation