Exploring the impact, response and preparedness to water-related natural disasters in the Barisal division of Bangladesh: a mixed methods study

Abstract

ObjectivesTo investigate the impact of natural disasters on communities in the Barisal division of Bangladesh, exploring community approaches to disaster preparedness and mitigation.SettingCommunities in all districts of the Barisal division of Bangladesh.ParticipantsQuantitative data were collected through a cross-sectional household survey (n=9263 households; n=38 981 individuals). Qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews (n=7) and focus group discussions (n=23) with key informants.Outcome measuresQuantitative research recorded features of natural disaster events from the previous 5 years, documenting risk factors that increase vulnerability to disaster, use of disaster warning systems and evacuation processes. Qualitative research investigated disaster risk perceptions, experiences during and following disaster, and disaster preparedness practices.ResultsThe survey response rate was 94.7%. Exposure to disaster in the last 5 years was high (82%) with flooding and cyclones considered the greatest threats. Awareness of evacuation processes was low; and only 19% of respondents evacuated their homes at the time of disaster. Drowning during disaster was the primary concern (87%), followed by debt, livestock and crop loss (78%). The qualitative findings indicated prevailing fatalistic perceptions towards natural disasters among community. The consequences of disasters included significant loss of livelihoods and exposure to infections due to poor sanitation. There was also insufficient support for the most vulnerable, particularly women, children and the elderly. Although several community preparedness and practices existed, there was a lack of response to early warning systems. Barriers to disaster response and resilience included financial insecurities, loss of livelihoods and cultural concerns regarding women’s privacy.ConclusionsCritical to achieving disaster resilience is increased government investment in infrastructure and systems-level responses that empower communities. Further research can support this by addressing community challenges to promoting disaster resilience and how to leverage existing community strengths to implement locally owned solutions.

Identifying strategic priorities for advancing global drowning prevention: a Delphi method

“…First, pursuing partnerships in disaster risk reduction with alignment with the Sendai Framework,21 represents the most significant opportunity. Flooding is a major contributor to drowning risk and studies reinforce the need for preparedness for water-related disasters,22 flood rescue training for emergency personnel,23 and risk analysis and early warning systems. Sendai promotes subnational and local government disaster risk reduction planning, where drowning prevention should form part of multihazard approaches to building local disaster resilience.…”

“…First, pursuing partnerships in disaster risk reduction with alignment with the Sendai Framework, 21 represents the most significant opportunity. Flooding is a major contributor to drowning risk and studies reinforce the need for preparedness for water-related disasters, 22 flood rescue training for emergency personnel, 23 Understanding barriers and expanding investments in locally generated disaster risk data could contribute to and strengthen surveillance for drowning prevention. 24 25 National and community level disaster coordination could be adapted to include mechanisms with potential to extend impacts on drowning prevention outside of disaster events.…”

Community resilience of women in rural areas of Lempira in the Republic of Honduras

“…A survey in Bangladesh found that few people evacuate during disasters, indicating a widespread fatalistic view of natural disasters among the local population. Other reasons for not evacuating included fear for the safety of property and livestock, overcrowded shelters, and unsafe places for women (Jagnoor et al, 2019).…”

Nature-Based Resilience: Experiences of Five Cities from South Asia

“…The urban environment is highly challenged due to unplanned development, drainage congestion, lack of proper solid waste management, and encroachment of rivers, canals, and other water bodies [32]. The city experiences cyclones and flooding (waterlogging, riverine/monsoon flood, and storm/tidal surge) almost every year as its significant natural hazards where anthropogenic causes exacerbate the condition [35,36]. The city has experienced assets and infrastructure damages due to catastrophic cyclones in 1991, 2007, 2009, 2013, 2016, 2020, and 2021 and floods in 1988, 1991, 2004, 2007, 2010, and 2020 in recent times.…”