Flood response in Bangladesh and Pakistan : a comparitive study

Abstract

According to Alexander (2006) phenomenon of Disaster Management has become a globalized concept over the years, thereby evolving a worldwide involvement in disaster relief and mitigation of catastrophes. The last two decades have witnessed an increase in both the intensity and frequency of worldwide disasters including floods. Global climatic changes have adversely affected many areas, which are normally not flood prone. Examples include the floods of 2010 in the Australian states of Queensland and Victoria. To minimize flood-related destruction and damage many countries have now developed flood risk management approaches as opposed to the existing strategies based on flood defense. Asian countries top the list in terms of people who are vulnerable to flooding, according to a report by the United Nations (2009). South Asian countries including Nepal, Bangladesh, India and Pakistan are inundated with floods every year due to heavy monsoon rains. The melting glaciers in the catchment areas of major South Asian rivers exacerbate the floods further. Each country is following a localized and individual approach to cope with floods