Landslide in Chattogram City: Spatial Vulnerability and Risk Mitigations Options

Abstract

Landslides have been among the most alarming disasters in the hilly regions of Bangladesh for the past few years. This hazard has become an unprecedented cause of human and economic losses. This paper attempts a spatial vulnerability analysis of landslides in the hilly regions of Bangladesh using hotspots, cluster and time-series analysis. It also discusses the risk mitigation options practiced by the inhabitants of landslide vulnerable areas of Chattogram City. Deadly landslides are found to be concentrated in South-eastern hilly towns and cities of Bangladesh. Larger clusters of landslides are found in Chattogram City, Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar cities, followed by Bandarban,Chattogram university area and Rangamati. Landslide hotspots are especially prominent in Chattogram city and Bandarban districts. Both landslide incidents and fatality have been increasing with highest number deaths of 162 in 2012. From the late 90s, the rate of landslide occurrences began to increase sharply at an average annual growth rate of 132.75 percent. Landslides are found prominently in urban settings. Growing rural-urban migration of low -income population leads to occupation of hills, unplanned urban growth and risks. Poor economic condition, lack of awareness and education, poorly built structures are some sources of vulnerability. There is severe lack of awareness, motivation and training about personal and community preparations and interventions to reduce landslide vulnerability. Most vulnerable populations know very little about techniques of avoiding landslide risk, prevention and mitigation options. They are only aware of emergency evacuation during heavy rainfall and are dependent extremely on external assistance and relief.