Bangladesh 1998 Flashcards
When did the flood occur
September 1998
What physical factors helped cause the flood
The snow on the nearby mountains melting adding to the spring discharge
The monsoon season caused even heavier rainfall
What were the human factors
Urbanisation the capital city of Dhaka has more than one million inhabitants
Rapid deforestation on the Himalayas, meant that there was a lower level of interception
What were the social impacts
36 million people were made homeless
The death toll reached 800, people had died as a result of a lack of clean water
Who were affected the most
Landless labourers and small farmers were the most severely affected in rural areas
In Urbana areas slum dwellers who typically squatted on poorly drained land were affected the most
Economic impacts
The flood caused serious damage to infrastructure
Rail links and roads to Dhaka were several affected
The value of damages equaled 2.2 million dollars
What were the environmental impacts
During July and august 38% of total land was flooded
Flood caused river bank erosion especially on embankment areas close to main channels, soil erosion, water-logging, water contamination
What were the short term responses
Non-governmental orgs provided emergency relief like food medicine and clothing
In July the UN activated a disaster management team to coordinate the activities of the various UN agencies what gave emergency supplies
Bilateral aid was given by other countries
Self help schemes were introduced to allow local people to help rebuild their own properties as communities
What were the long term responses
The creation of embankment ( artificial levees)
Constructing flood protection shelters
Introduction of emergency flood warning systems and plans
The building of flood proof sheds that contained food and grain
