Reducing Cyclone Impacts in the Coastal Areas of Bangladesh: A Case Study of Kalapara Upazila

Abstract

Cyclone has both direct and indirect effects on human life and socio-economic development of a country. Bangladesh is one of the most cyclone prone countries in the world. The geographical location and climatic condition of the country are responsible for cyclone and other natural disasters. During the last 100 years, Bangladesh has experienced 53 major cyclones. Though cyclone affects almost every part of the coastal Bangladesh, but intensity and frequency of cyclone is dangerous in Kalapara Upazila of Patuakhali district. This Upazila is more vulnerable to cyclone than other places of the district. Due to poor disaster management system and ignorance of the physical plan, every year the country has experienced not only huge economic lose but also lives. The paper is an investigation into the cyclone damage scenario and scope of reducing the impacts of lives and properties. The paper makes some recommendations on the existing and proposed physical planning activities and plans of the Upazila to ensure effective cyclone management and sustainable physical development.

Journal of Bangladesh Institute of Planners, Vol. 5, Dec 2012, pp. 185-197