Present and future fluvial, tidal and storm surge flooding in coastal Bangladesh

Abstract

The magnitude and extent of fluvial, tidal and storm surge flooding in coastal Bangladesh are quantified using hydrodynamic numerical models under a series of climate and sea-level rise scenarios to 2100. Fluvial floods occur from July to October and are confined to the northern part of the coastal region. Tidal floods occur in the southern part of the coastal region along the banks of the estuaries and only last a few hours. The flood extents for both types of flood are influenced by sea-level rise and increased upstream river flows. Flooding associated with cyclone landfall and resulting storm surge also increases in extent, with a nearly four times increase by the end of the century in extreme cases, reinforcing the need for a long-term adaptation strategy.