Influence of Natural System and Development Features on Cyclone Aila’s Impact in the South-west Coastal Region of Bangladesh

Dr. Kazi Md. Fazlul Haq

Abstract

This paper aims to examine the extent of destruction caused by Cyclone Aila in south-west coastal zone of Bangladesh, as well as to identify the role of natural system and development features in determining the nature of the impact. The study is purely based on the opinions of those affected by the Cyclone Aila. A questionnaire survey was being conducted in 13 villages of Khulna, one of the severely affected district of Aila. The study reveals that, the presence of Sundarban forest, sea grass and convex coast are assumed to top the list of natural system responsible for minimizing both the death toll and house damages. On the contrary, rivers and concave coast are thought to exacerbate these affects.

None of the development features has been presumed to enhance the death toll or house damage, however, roads, polders/embankments and housing are perceived to have significantly lessen the destruction.

 

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