Local Level Multi-hazard Mapping for Natural and Manmade Hazards: A Case Study of Chittagong Division

Abstract

Hazards like cyclone, storm surge, flood, drought, landslide, building collapse, fire etc. recurrently occur in Bangladesh due to its locational disadvantages and public ignorance regarding impacts of hazards. In this study, multi hazard assessment has been conducted and based on this result multi hazard zones have been delineated for Chittagong division of Bangladesh in case of 2013. Here the Chittagong division was selected as study area due to its geographical vulnerable location and witnessing situation at different hazards. The year 2013 has been considered as the study period because of occurrence of recurrent and various types of hazards at Chittagong division in a single period according to data. Assessment and zoning has been conducted separately both for natural and manmade hazards because of their different characteristics. Historically, Chittagong division is attacked by different hazards like cyclone, flood, landslides, fire etc. almost in every year. It has been observed from the study that Chittagong district is the most susceptible district because of multiple types of hazards. This district is vulnerable for both natural and manmade hazards. Noakhali district is also in a vulnerable state in case of natural hazards. Specific policies for specific locations may improve the scenario. This kind of hazard assessment should be incorporated in local level planning in order to develop community resilience and adaptation.