Cyclone disaster vulnerability and response experiences in coastal Bangladesh

Abstract

Citation: Alam, E. and Collins, A. E. (2010), Cyclone disaster vulnerability and response experiences in coastal Bangladesh. Disasters, 34: 931-954. doi:10.1111Disasters, 34: 931-954. doi:10. /j.1467Disasters, 34: 931-954. doi:10. -7717.2010 Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j. 1467-7717.2010.01176.x More details/abstract: For generations, cyclones and tidal surges have frequently devastated lives and property in coastal and island Bangladesh. This study explores vulnerability to cyclone hazards using firsthand coping recollections from prior to, during and after these events. Qualitative field data suggest that, beyond extreme cyclone forces, localised vulnerability is defined in terms of response processes, infrastructure, socially uneven exposure, settlement development patterns, and livelihoods. Prior to cyclones, religious activities increase and people try to save food and valuable possessions. Those in dispersed settlements who fail to reach cyclone shelters take refuge in thatched-roof houses and bigbranch trees. However, women and children are affected more despite the modification of traditional hierarchies during cyclone periods. Instinctive survival strategies and intracommunity cooperation improve coping post cyclone. This study recommends that disaster reduction programmes encourage cyclone mitigation while being aware of localised realities, endogenous risk analyses, and coping and adaptation of affected communities (as active survivors rather than helpless victims). For generations, cyclones and tidal surges have frequently devastated lives and property in coastal and island Bangladesh. This study explores vulnerability to cyclone hazards using first-hand coping recollections from prior to, during and after these events. Qualitative field data suggest that, beyond extreme cyclone forces, localised vulnerability is defined in terms of response processes, infrastructure, socially uneven exposure, settlement development patterns, and livelihoods. Prior to cyclones, religious activities increase and people try to save food and valuable possessions. Those in dispersed settlements who fail to reach cyclone shelters take refuge in thatched-roof houses and big-branch trees. However, women and children are affected more despite the modification of traditional hierarchies during cyclone periods. Instinctive survival strategies and intra-community cooperation improve coping post cyclone. This study recommends that disaster reduction programmes encourage cyclone mitigation while being aware of localised realities, endogenous risk analyses, and coping and adaptation of affected communities (as active survivors rather than helpless victims). Version: Submitted version

Disaster risk reduction infrastructure requirements for South-Western Bangladesh

“…Transport infrastructure being in a poor state and lack of cyclone shelters results in people having to travel to distant and difficult to reach shelters, making them vulnerable in cyclone situations (Alam and Collins, 2010). Moreover, poor road network was quoted as a reason for remote communities not receiving disaster warnings in time.…”

“…The findings reported therein affirm that local residents possess invaluable knowledge about community level structural DRR strategies. Further, Alam and Collins (2010), following their study related to the vulnerability of coastal communities in Bangladesh to cyclones and storm surges, concluded that much local knowledge and capacity exists in local communities that can be incorporated in disaster prevention and response strategies. It was noted that the cyclone response experiences of local communities could be more central to cyclone disaster preparedness activities in Bangladesh (Alam and Collins, 2010).…”

“…Further, Alam and Collins (2010), following their study related to the vulnerability of coastal communities in Bangladesh to cyclones and storm surges, concluded that much local knowledge and capacity exists in local communities that can be incorporated in disaster prevention and response strategies. It was noted that the cyclone response experiences of local communities could be more central to cyclone disaster preparedness activities in Bangladesh (Alam and Collins, 2010). Therefore, it is important that their knowledge, understanding and viewpoints are captured in developing infrastructure and structural protection measures in the area, in order to make sure that such measures are delivered to, and embraced by, local residents effectively.…”

“…It was thought that adopting a qualitative approach would benefit answering the research questions raised and as claimed by Alam and Collins (2010) qualitative approaches are useful for investigating peoples' responses to and the impact of disasters. Focus group interviews were conducted with local community leaders and policy makers, in order to gain answers to the research questions raised.…”

“…The community leader interviews revealed that poor road networks leading to shelters to be a major factor that hinders speedy access in an emergency situation. Alam and Collins (2010) singled out lack of a proper transport infrastructure as an important factor that makes coastal communities in Bangladesh vulnerable to cyclone disasters.…”