Multi-Hazard Vulnerability Assessment and its Impacts on Kishoreganj District

This multi-hazard vulnerability assessment aims to comprehensively evaluate the susceptibility and potential impacts of various hazards in the Kishoreganj district, Bangladesh. The evaluation considered a range of hazards including heavy rainfall, floods, flash floods, erosion of riverbanks, heat waves, cold waves, and thunderstorms, and examines how they interact and composite to affect the district's social, economic, and livelihood aspects. This evaluation, which takes a multidisciplinary approach, uses geospatial analysis, sustainable livelihoods assessment qualitative or quantitative data collection, and community viewpoints to comprehend the vulnerabilities in the district. The findings show that most of the Unions of Itna and Mithamoin area are vulnerable to various dangers due to their geographical location, topography, and socio-economic variables. The disaster frequency is gradually increasing. Riverine and flash floods inundate extensive agricultural lands regularly, disrupting livelihoods and increasing food insecurity. Riverbank erosion, hailstorms, increasing trend heat waves, and cold waves endanger settlements, resulting in population displacement. Moreover, these risks not only have an impact on livelihoods but can worsen disease and reduce the availability of drinking water. The assessment also highlights how vulnerable populations, including women, children, and members of disadvantaged communities, are disproportionately affected by hazards. It emphasizes the need for inclusive and targeted interventions to address their specific vulnerabilities and boost resilience.