- In 1988 floods, 60% of the country submerged under water.
- The government has built over 10,000 km of embankments, 5,000 km of drainage channels, and 3,000 flood shelters.
- In 2017, Bangladesh introduced a state-of-the-art flood forecasting system developed in collaboration with ECMWF.
- In 2015, the UNDRR recognized Bangladesh as a role model for disaster management
Bangladesh, a low-lying delta nation at the junction of three major rivers—the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna—has long been synonymous with devastating floods. However, in recent years, this South Asian country has emerged as an unexpected success story in flood management. Through a combination of innovative strategies, technological advancements, and community engagement, Bangladesh has transformed its approach to dealing with annual inundations.
In June 2024, heavy rains left nearly 2 million people stranded in northeast Bangladesh, flooding Sylhet and Sunamganj. Torrential rain and upstream water runoff swelled four rivers beyond danger levels, highlighting the country’s escalating flood risks.
UNICEF reported that among those affected were 772,000 children in urgent need of assistance, with over 800 schools flooded and 500 more used as flood shelters. The floods not only displace millions but also pose severe risks of drowning, malnutrition, waterborne diseases, and potential abuse in overcrowded shelters.
In response to these challenges, the government of Bangladesh has been proactive. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, anticipating more potential floods in 2024, instructed authorities to prepare adequately. This foresight and preparedness exemplify the nation’s evolving approach to flood management.
Historical Flood Losses in Bangladesh
Bangladesh’s history is marked by devastating floods that have caused immense loss of life, property, and economic resources. These recurring disasters have shaped the nation’s approach to water management and disaster preparedness.
One of the most catastrophic floods in Bangladesh’s history occurred in 1988, submerging about 60% of the country. This disaster affected 45 million people, claimed over 2,000 lives, and caused economic losses estimated at $2.8 billion, equivalent to 6.5% of the country’s GDP at the time. The 1988 flood destroyed 2.5 million tons of crops and damaged 2,500 km of roads and embankments.
The 1998 flood was another landmark event, termed the ‘flood of the century.’ It inundated nearly 70% of the country for more than two months, affecting 31 million people and causing 1,100 deaths. The economic impact was staggering, with damages estimated at $4.3 billion, including the destruction of 500,000 homes and severe damage to the country’s infrastructure.
In 2004, Bangladesh experienced another severe flood that affected 36 million people, claimed 747 lives, and resulted in economic losses of approximately $2.2 billion. This flood was particularly devastating to the agricultural sector, damaging 1.3 million hectares of crops.
More recently, the 2017 floods affected over 8 million people across 32 districts, causing 145 deaths and damaging nearly 650,000 houses. The economic toll was estimated at $2.5 billion, with severe impacts on agriculture, infrastructure, and livelihoods.
These recurring floods have not only resulted in immediate losses but have also had long-term impacts on Bangladesh’s development. They have repeatedly set back poverty alleviation efforts, disrupted education, and strained healthcare systems. The floods have also contributed to rural-urban migration, as displaced families seek better opportunities and safer living conditions in cities.
Historical Perspective of Flood Management
Bangladesh’s journey towards effective flood management began in earnest following the catastrophic floods of 1988, which submerged about 60% of the country and caused significant loss of life and property. In response, the government initiated the Flood Action Plan (FAP) in 1989, a comprehensive strategy that marked a shift from reactive to proactive flood management.
One notable success of the FAP was the Compartmentalization Pilot Project (CPP) implemented in the Tangail district. This project divided the flood-prone area into smaller compartments using embankments and regulators, allowing for controlled flooding and drainage. According to a study by the Institute of Water Modelling, the CPP reduced flood damage by 40% in the project area and increased agricultural productivity by 20%.
Another successful initiative was the Chars Livelihoods Program (CLP), launched in 2004. This program focused on improving the resilience of communities living on river islands (chars) through various interventions, including raised plinths for homesteads. A 2016 evaluation by the UK’s Department for International Development found that 95% of raised plinths withstood major floods, protecting over 100,000 households.
Advanced Flood Forecasting Models
A cornerstone of Bangladesh’s flood management success has been the development and implementation of sophisticated flood forecasting models. The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC), established in 1972, has continuously improved its capabilities over the years.
In 2017, Bangladesh introduced a state-of-the-art flood forecasting system developed in collaboration with the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). This system extended the flood forecast lead time from 3-5 days to 10 days, allowing for more effective early warning and preparation. According to the Bangladesh Water Development Board, this increased lead time has contributed to a 70% reduction in flood-related deaths since its implementation.
The country has also embraced satellite technology and machine learning to enhance its forecasting capabilities. A 2020 study published in the journal ‘Hydrology and Earth System Sciences’ demonstrated that the integration of satellite data and artificial intelligence improved flood prediction accuracy by up to 85% in some regions of Bangladesh.
Government’s Comprehensive Preparation Strategies
Bangladesh’s government has adopted a multi-faceted approach to flood preparation, encompassing infrastructure development, policy reforms, and community engagement.
1. Infrastructure Development:
The government has invested heavily in flood control infrastructure, including over 10,000 kilometers of embankments, 5,000 kilometers of drainage channels, and 3,000 flood shelters. A 2019 World Bank report estimated that these investments have protected over 50 million people from severe flooding.
2. Policy Reforms:
The Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100, adopted in 2018, is a comprehensive long-term strategy for delta management. It integrates flood management with broader development goals, emphasizing adaptive management and nature-based solutions.
3. Community Engagement:
The Cyclone Preparedness Program (CPP), initially focused on cyclones, has been expanded to include flood preparedness. With over 55,000 volunteers, the CPP has been crucial in disseminating early warnings and coordinating evacuations. A 2018 study by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies found that the CPP’s efforts contributed to a 99% reduction in cyclone-related deaths since the 1970s.
4. Ecosystem-based Adaptation:
Bangladesh has embraced nature-based solutions, such as mangrove afforestation along coastal areas. The Sundarbans mangrove forest, covering over 10,000 square kilometers, acts as a natural buffer against storm surges and floods. A 2020 study in the journal ‘Global Ecology and Conservation’ estimated that the Sundarbans reduce wave heights by 50-70% during cyclones and storm surges.
International Recognition
In the history of disaster management in Bangladesh, the period from 2017 to 2023 has been crucial. During this time, apart from the COVID-19 pandemic, Bangladesh has faced two devastating floods and several cyclones.
Among these, Cyclone Amphan struck Bangladesh during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The meteorological department issues warnings about cyclones five days in advance. Disaster management authorities and local government departments evacuate people to cyclone shelters, ensuring the protection of lives and property.
Efforts to reduce disaster risk have yielded success in Bangladesh, as highlighted in a global report published by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the World Meteorological Organization. The report compares Bangladesh’s successful disaster management with the devastating impact of a cyclone hitting Mozambique in close proximity to Cyclone Amphan. While nearly a thousand people lost their lives in Mozambique, Bangladesh managed to minimize casualties and property damage. Despite being affected by both the pandemic and the cyclone, assistance was provided to affected individuals for food and resettlement. The UNDP’s guidelines for disaster preparedness were followed in this regard.
In 2017, Bangladesh faced a severe flood, but effective disaster preparedness measures ensured the protection of lives and property. Recently, before Cyclone Mora hit Bangladesh on May 14, the country once again demonstrated success in disaster management through early warnings and precautionary measures. Cyclone Mora made landfall in the coastal areas of Chittagong and Cox’s Bazar, where Rohingya refugees from Myanmar reside. Safe spaces were created for the Rohingya community, earning praise in the global report.
In 2015, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) recognized Bangladesh as a role model for disaster management, particularly highlighting its community-based early warning systems.
The Global Center on Adaptation opened its South Asian regional office in Dhaka in 2020, acknowledging Bangladesh’s leadership in climate adaptation and flood management.
In 2021, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) praised Bangladesh’s flood forecasting system as one of the most advanced in South Asia.
The country’s efforts have also attracted international funding. In 2020, the Green Climate Fund approved a $256 million project to enhance the climate resilience of vulnerable communities in Bangladesh, with a significant focus on flood management.
Conclusion
Bangladesh’s transformation from a flood-ravaged nation to a role model in flood management is a testament to the power of innovative thinking, technological adoption, and community engagement. By combining advanced forecasting models, comprehensive preparation strategies, and nature-based solutions, Bangladesh has significantly reduced the impact of floods on its population and economy.
As climate change continues to exacerbate flood risks globally, Bangladesh’s experience offers valuable lessons for other flood-prone countries. The nation’s success demonstrates that with sustained effort, strategic planning, and international cooperation, it is possible to turn the tide against one of nature’s most destructive forces.
