THE vulnerabilities of Bangladesh鈥檚 coastal infrastructure were again exposed during Cyclone Remal. Reports on Bagerhat revealed that, out of 338 kilometres of embankments, only 65 kilometres in Sarankhola and Morrelganj have been constructed sustainably. Alarmingly, 16 kilometres remain vulnerable, including 8 kilometres highly vulnerable. Worse still, Rampal and Mongla upazilas lack embankments built by the Water Development Board, leading to frequent flooding of residential areas during high tides. Local authorities have submitted proposals to construct 185 kilometres of embankments, which are currently under ministerial review.
This is not an isolated issue. Across the coastal region, many embankments remain inadequately built or repaired, leaving communities exposed to the devastating consequences of cyclones. The risk intensifies during November, traditionally known as the 鈥榗yclone month.鈥�
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November cyclones
THE Bay of Bengal鈥檚 tropical cyclones, often accompanied by storm surges, are among the greatest hazards Bangladesh faces. November鈥檚 history is particularly harrowing. On November 12, 1970, a super cyclone claimed about 500,000 lives along the coastline. Subsequent years brought further devastation: the 1974 cyclone killed 200 people in Cox鈥檚 Bazar and Chattogram; the 1983 cyclone resulted in 300 fishermen going missing; the 1995 cyclone claimed 650 lives; and Cyclone Bulbul in 2019 caused severe flooding, wiping out 72,000 tonnes of crops valued at Tk2.6 billion.
These disasters highlight the persistent threat to lives, livelihoods, and assets in coastal communities. Despite significant strides in disaster management, particularly in flood and cyclone preparedness, the risks remain profound, especially for the poor who live in these hazardous areas.
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Revisiting preparedness
STRENGTHENING disaster readiness is essential. Emergency preparedness must encompass saving lives and addressing the basic needs of affected communities. This requires measures such as early planning, coordination, and the implementation of actions to protect people and property. A robust contingency plan should account for context analysis, risk mapping, and resource assessments. Coastal administrative layers must ensure pre-emergency measures, including alert systems, rescue plans, and evacuation strategies, are operational.
Cyclone shelters play a critical role in readiness. Adequate facilities for women, children, and people with disabilities must be ensured, while emergency medical support and rescue teams should be positioned across vulnerable coastal areas. Readiness at the family, community, and organisational levels should align with the Standing Orders on Disaster issued by the government. Lessons from past experiences must inform better practices, while missteps from previous responses should be avoided.
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Cyclone risk reduction
CYCLONE risk reduction cannot occur in isolation from climate change adaptation. Development programmes by government agencies, non-government organisations, and the private sector must incorporate these aspects. Vulnerable communities should be actively engaged to ensure solutions are technically, socially, environmentally, and economically feasible. Traditional coping mechanisms should also be evaluated and integrated where appropriate.
Critical infrastructure such as embankments, dams, and green belts must be thoroughly reviewed and upgraded. Structural interventions like cyclone shelters, housing schemes, and sanitation facilities, along with non-structural measures such as early warning dissemination and coordination systems, need reinforcement.
Effect-minimising strategies, such as promoting resilient cropping patterns and cyclone-smart income-generating activities, are essential. Crop varieties should be tailored to resist salinity and cyclonic conditions, and relevant agencies must prioritise research into suitable species.
The state has a primary responsibility to protect lives, property, and livelihoods in coastal areas, but this requires collective action. Vulnerable communities and duty-bearers must work together to mitigate the impact of cyclones. The government鈥檚 disaster management initiatives must reflect a commitment to reducing risks and safeguarding the nation鈥檚 coastal population.
Bangladesh has made significant progress in managing disasters over the years, but the persistent vulnerabilities demand a renewed focus. As the country navigates another cyclone season, it is imperative to prioritise readiness, integrate risk reduction strategies, and reinforce the resilience of coastal communities.
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Farid Hasan Ahmed, a development lawyer, is a disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation expert.
