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

This study, the first of its kind in Bangladesh’s twelve exposed coastal districts, analyzes trends in the most frequent natural hazards from 1988 to 2024, examines their underlying causes and consequences, and explores local communities’ diverse perceptions of coping mechanisms and adaptation strategies. A mixed-method approach was employed, integrating qualitative and quantitative methods, including household questionnaire surveys, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), Key Informant Interviews (KIIs),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 forBDT 1,050,000 (approximately USD 8,500), 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.