Coastal flooding in Bangladesh , 2007

Question 1

physical factors affecting coastal flooding

Answer 1

• only a few metres above sea level (Ganges) on a delta
• storm surges are often generated by tropical cyclones that originate in the Bay of Bengal
• natural funnel shape of the Bay of Bengal steepens the storm surge which overwhelm the low lying tidal floodplanes

Question 2

human factors that led to the flood

Answer 2

• densly populated delta-2008 approximately 40 million lived in coastal zone
• average population density in the area was nearly 1150km
• one of asia’s poorest countries
• lack of investment in coastal structures e.g. levees

Question 3

social impacts

Answer 3

• 4000 deaths

- 9 million affected

Question 4

economic impacts

Answer 4

• > 1.5 million homes damaged

- total economic cost estimated at US$450 million

Question 5

environmental impacts

Answer 5

• 1/4 mangroves damaged (world heritage site with unique ecosystem)
• 1 million ha crops destroyed

Question 6

short term responses

Answer 6

• disaster relief fund
• emergency food, blankets and clothing came from USA and EU and from NGOs e.g. Oxfam and Red Cross
• The World Food Programme sent food rations for 400,000 people, and for longer term relief, the World Bank pledged US$250 million aid

Question 7

long term responses

Answer 7

• flood embankments strengthened
• mangrove forests planted
• new cyclone shelters built
• due to investment by the EU cyclones are now tracked by satellites so progress of Sidr was monitored
• cyclone walls, planted with trees have been built