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Climate-induced human displacement: a case study of Cyclone Aila in the south-west coastal region of Bangladesh

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Abstract

The objective of this study was to explore the livelihood patterns and access to the local public services of the climate induced displaced people migrated by the Cyclone Aila in the south-west coastal region of Bangladesh. The study analysed a number of consequences, such as the causes of displacement, their demographic and socio-economic conditions, and their access to the local public services. Data were collected from four unions of three upazilas in the Khulna Division. The study employed a mixed method approach, where quantitative data were collected through a household survey, and qualitative data through focus group discussions, in-depth case studies, and participant observation. The results showed that the Aila affected displaced people were migrated to the nearby places due to their financial vulnerability, loss of physical resources, and insecurity, and they were suffering severely in terms of their unemployment, lack of housing, health problems, and their low access to the local public services. The findings would be important consideration for the disaster policy-makers, disaster mangers, and NGO workers.

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Acknowledgements

We acknowledge to the Coastal Livelihood and Environmental Action Network (CLEAN) for their financial contribution and Khulna City Corporation for permission to conduct this study. We also acknowledge the informative support to the Cyclone Aila affected migrated people.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

    M. Rezaul Islam

  2. University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh

    M. Rezaul Islam

  3. Coastal Livelihood and Environmental Action Network (CLEAN), Khulna, Bangladesh

    Mehedi Hasan

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  1. M. Rezaul Islam
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  2. Mehedi Hasan
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Correspondence to M. Rezaul Islam.

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Islam, M.R., Hasan, M. Climate-induced human displacement: a case study of Cyclone Aila in the south-west coastal region of Bangladesh. Nat Hazards 81, 1051–1071 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11069-015-2119-6

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