Cyclone and Tornado Risk and Reduction Approaches in Bangladesh

Abstract

The physiographical features of Bangladesh coast make it susceptible to cyclones and associated surges. According to the Multipurpose Cyclone Shelter Programme report, 6.4 % of the country is considered High Risk Area where the surge height may exceed 1 m. The country has been devastated by a number of cyclones resulting hundreds of thousands of human deaths. Besides, loss and damage of people’s assets and properties have been extensive. With time, Bangladesh has been successful in significantly reducing human casualties from cyclone and the multipurpose cyclone shelters have been playing a great role in this regard. Another highly effective risk reduction initiative with regards to cyclone is the Cyclone Preparedness Programme (CPP) jointly run by the Bangladesh Red Crescent Societies (BDRCS) and the Government. The CPP can be considered as the precondition for the successful working of the cyclone shelters as one of its major activities is to disseminate cyclone warnings and mobilize the people at risk to cyclone shelters. Mangrove forests along the coast have an important role in reducing the wind speed and the surge impact, which led to taking coastal afforestation program in Bangladesh. The earthen coastal embankments in Bangladesh are primarily meant for protecting agricultural land from regular tidal phenomenon. These can be constructed strong enough to safeguard against cyclone-associated surge the cost of which can be justified only in the case of large investment. Disaster resilient habitat is a new concept which advocates for individual houses made as strong as to withstand cyclones or, at least, to enhance reconstruction and recovery. A pilot programme of the same executed in Bangladesh has been discussed in this chapter. Tornado is an under-reported disaster in Bangladesh the reason of which can be attributed to its impact being localized. Though Bangladesh is considered the only other part of the world outside the United States where strong and violent tornadoes are prevalent, little attention has been given to mitigate the risks. Absences of appropriate forecasting and early warning system as well as lack of shelter provision make Bangladesh the country of highest death tolls from Severe Local Convective Storms (SLCS) like tornado and nor-westers.