Storm Surge Risk Assessment Under Changing Climate on Bangladesh Coast

Coastal areas of the world face a range of risk related to climate change. Cyclone and associated storm surge is the most destructive hazard that frequently occurs in Bangladesh and causes enormous suffering to the people of the coastal area. Increase in Sea Surface Temperature (SST) and Sea Level Rise (SLR) will increase surge height which will enlarge the boundary of the Risk Zone (RZ) and High Risk Area (HRA). Increase in surge height indicated greater intrusion distance and larger RZ and HRA. Study shows that intrusion distance will be increased by 6-10 and 18-23% for 2 and 4C increase in SST, respectively. 75-99% of the population in the coastal districts are still vulnerable to storm surge risk due to unavailability of the cyclone shelters. The situation will be even worse for the 2C increase in SST. Residual risk map of the study area shows that Noakhali Sadar, Lakshmipur, Chakaria, Bhola Sadar, Char Fashion, Ramgati, Patiya and Mirsharai thana will be highly susceptible to storm surge risk for 2C increase of SST. This information will help in making decision for providing safety to coastal population from the adverse impact of climate change.