Sundarbans - Coping With Extreme Events

Question 1

Define Mitigation

Answer 1

How people and communities ACT to reduce the impacts of extreme physical events such as a cyclone in the Sundarbans

Question 2

Define Resilience

Answer 2

How physical features from the environment can help people and communities to WITHSTAND and RECOVER from extreme physical events such as a cyclone in the Sundarbans

Question 3

Define Adaptation

Answer 3

How people and communities CHANGE in some way to live with extreme physical events such as a cyclone in the Sundarbans

Question 4

Mitigation in Sundarbans

Answer 4

• Multi-purpose cyclone shelters have been built and serve as primary schools and meeting places as well as shelters for people and livestock to use during storms and floods (built in 1980s)
• Infrastructure improvements to roads, schools, hospitals have provided ways in which local communities can access support before and after extreme events occur
• Communities are close-knit and good levels of social capital (good will) mean actions taken are often based on trust and co-operation. Acting for the ‘common good’ is a central tenant for these communities and these resources can be used in difficult times
• Access to micro-credit facilities (small banks often run by charities or government) and savings give communities financial reserves to use

Question 5

Adaptation in Sundarbans

Answer 5

• Non-government organisations build new latrines (toilets) on higher ground and educate communities about water-borne diseases and sanitation
• Water tight containers are now given out to store important documents and belongings during floods
• Training from non-government organisations and government organisations adds to the community preparedness for extreme events as people are given new ways of getting ready when extreme events are predicted
• New ways to farm are encouraged with 30,000 people now trained to use measures such as new varieties of salt resistant rice which can survive being submerged in flood waters for up to 2 weeks

Question 6

Resilience in Sundarbans

Answer 6

• Mangrove swamps offer protection from storms, tsunamis and erosion. A density of 30 trees per 0.01 hectares can reduce the destructive power of a tsunami by up to 90%
• The soil is fertile and the ecosystem is diverse containing many species. Food is relatively plentiful
• Mangroves have an economic value as they provide food and resources for local people (1 hectare of forest can have a value of over $12,000)