IngentaConnect Cyclone Mitigation Perspectives in the Islands of Bangladesh: A C...

Authors: Paul, Alak¹; Rahman, Maksudur¹

Source: Coastal Management, Volume 34, Number 2, April-June 2006 , pp. 199-215(17)

Abstract:

Most coastal areas of the world are now at risk from natural hazards such as cyclones, storm surges, beach erosions, tsunamis, sea level rises, and so on, resulting from geological and meteorological disturbances. In Bangladesh, during premonsoon and post-monsoon periods cyclone and tidal surges are considered the most catastrophic phenomena in coastal regions, including islands. Most coastal island residents of Bangladesh have been facing cyclones for centuries. The present study establishes a comparison between two neighboring islands, Sandwip and Hatia, of the Meghna estuary with respect to disaster reaction and management. Based on a questionnaire survey and observations, the study shows that the inhabitants of Hatia are more aware of and confident in disaster management than the inhabitants of Sandwip. Residents of both islands in the Meghna estuary have established trust in the warning signals following the heavy devastation of great cyclones of 1970, 1985, 1991, and 1997. The residents of Hatia have been facing cyclones and tidal surges more frequently than the residents of Sandwip due to the island's geographical location. In addition, shelter management and relief management are better developed in Hatia than Sandwip.

Keywords: cyclone mitigation and management; disaster; Meghna estuary; Sandwip and Hatia islands

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1080/08920750500531371

Affiliations: 1: Department of Geography, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, Bangladesh

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Cyclone Mitigation Perspectives in the Islands of Bangladesh: A Case of Sandwip and Hatia Islands