Natural hazards-induced vulnerabilities (1988–2024) and community-coping methods: A mixed-method study in the exposed coastal regions of Bangladesh

Most. Suria Khatun; Md. Shofiqul  Islam; Md Taushif Imran Labib; Md. Rahedul Islam; Md Imran  Hossain; Md. Humayun Kabir; Md. Anisul Kabir

doi:10.64866/j.ijdscr.2025.10015

Authors

Most. Suria Khatun Department of Environmental Science and Geography, Faculty of Sciences, Islamic University, Kushtia 7003, Bangladesh Author
Md. Shofiqul Islam Department of Environmental Science and Geography, Faculty of Sciences, Islamic University, Kushtia 7003, Bangladesh Author https://orcid.org/0009-0004-9001-340X
Md Taushif Imran Labib Department of Environmental Science and Geography, Faculty of Sciences, Islamic University, Kushtia 7003, Bangladesh Author
Md. Rahedul Islam Department of Environmental Science and Geography, Faculty of Sciences, Islamic University, Kushtia 7003, Bangladesh Author https://orcid.org/0009-0003-7391-5906
Md Imran Hossain Department of Environmental Science and Geography, Faculty of Sciences, Islamic University, Kushtia 7003, Bangladesh Author
Md. Humayun Kabir Department of Geography and Environment, Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh Author
Md. Anisul Kabir Department of Geography and Environment, Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64866/j.ijdscr.2025.10015

Keywords:

Exposed coastal regions, Multi-hazard vulnerability, Community coping strategies, Climate change adaptation, Coastal hazard resilience

Abstract

Bangladesh’s exposed coasts are becoming extremely vulnerable to multiple climate change-induced natural hazards, which are exacerbated by socio-economic fragility. This study analyzes the trends of the most frequent natural hazards (1988–2024), along with underlying causes and consequences, exploring the local community’s diverse perceptions regarding coping mechanisms and adaptation strategies in Bangladesh’s twelve exposed coastal districts. A mixed-method approach was employed, integrating qualitative and quantitative methods, including household questionnaire surveys, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and field observations conducted from December 2024 to February 2025. The study’s findings reveal that synergistically, environmental, physical, as well as socio-economic factors influence coastal multi-hazard vulnerability. Lack of awareness, limited institutional capacity, poor infrastructure, and fragile housing significantly aggravate these risks. Disaster-related mortality and injury ratios are higher among disproportionately affected children, women, and the elderly, compared to men. Major consequences include disease outbreaks like diarrhea and cholera, severe livelihood losses accounting for 108.5 million, and extensive environmental degradation in fisheries, agriculture, and mangrove ecosystems. In response, coastal communities have adopted several coping strategies, including community-based early warning systems, livelihood diversification, mangrove plantation, and cultivation of specific salt-tolerant rice varieties. Improving early warning systems, upgrading infrastructure, promoting sustainable livelihood practices, and expanding community training are all crucial to strengthening resilience throughout coastal Bangladesh. A lack of long-term recovery planning and inadequate policy implementation limit such resilience. This study will provide policymakers of relevant ministries with critical insights for ecosystem-based, gender-sensitive, and integrated coastal management policies to enhance the community’s adaptive capability and resilience.

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