Disaster risk reduction infrastructure requirements for South-Western Bangladesh:perspectives of local communities

Abstract

Purpose: Development of effective disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies for communities at risk of being affected by natural disasters is considered essential, especially in the wake of devastating disaster events reported worldwide. As part of a wider research study investigating community perspectives on existing and potential strategies for enhancing resilience to natural disasters, community perspectives on infrastructure and structural protection requirements were investigated. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach: Patuakhali region in South-Western Bangladesh is a region significantly at risk of multiple natural hazards. In order to engage local communities and obtain their perspectives, focus group discussions were held with local community leaders and policy makers of at-risk communities in Patuakhali region, South-Western Bangladesh. Findings: Infrastructure and structural protection requirements highlighted included multi-purpose cyclone shelters, permanent embankments and improved transport infrastructure. Much of the discussions of focus group interviews were focused on cyclone shelters and embankments, suggesting their critical importance in reducing disaster risk and also dependence of coastal communities on those two measures. Originality/value: The research design adopted sought to answer the research questions raised and also to inform local policy makers on community perspectives. Local policy makers involved in DRR initiatives in the region were informed of community perspectives and requirements, thus contributing to community engagement in implementing DRR activities.

Publication DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/BEPAM-06-2015-0022
Divisions: College of Engineering & Physical Sciences > School of Infrastructure and Sustainable Engineering > Engineering Systems and Supply Chain Management
College of Engineering & Physical Sciences > Sustainable environment research group
College of Engineering & Physical Sciences
College of Engineering & Physical Sciences > Aston Logistics and Systems Institute
Uncontrolled Keywords: community engagement,cyclone,disaster management,flooding,infrastructure,Civil and Structural Engineering,Management Science and Operations Research
Publication ISSN: 2044-1258
Last Modified: 29 Jan 2024 08:07
Date Deposited: 07 Mar 2016 11:40
Full Text Link: http://www.emer ... AM-06-2015-0022
Related URLs: http://www.scop ... tnerID=8YFLogxK (Scopus URL)
PURE Output Type: Article
Published Date: 2016
Published Online Date: 2016-07-21
Accepted Date: 2015-12-21
Authors: Wedawatta, Gayan (ORCID Profile 0000-0002-8600-5077)
Kulatunga, Udayangani
Amaratunga, Dilanthi
Parvez, Ahmed

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