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.
