Coping strategies in response to riverine floods during pandemic time: a household study in Kurigram, Bangladesh

• Main Authors: Mustari, Sohela, Hossain, Md. Shamim
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: IIUM Press 2023
• Subjects: H Social Sciences (General)
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/110713/7/110713_Coping%20strategies%20in%20response%20to%20riverine%20floods.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/110713/; https://journals.iium.edu.my/irkh/index.php/ijohs/article/view/286
• Institution: Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia

Bangladesh is one of the countries at risk of COVID-19 and climate change. The lockdown efforts failed to flatten the curve and needed to be more effective. As a result, the significant risk of transmission is obvious, given the rising incidence of cases. Due to climate risks like cyclones, floods, landslides, and heat waves, a multiple hazards scenario could arise in this country. This study sought to evaluate the potential vulnerabilities of a confluence of infectious disease epidemics and natural hazards like floods. This study used a mixed methodological approach to examine the multi-hazard scenario in a resource-constrained area with a high population density. This study used a questionnaire survey with 150 respondents and in-depth interviews with 20 villagers. The findings showed a high likelihood of worsening the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic if a climatic disaster like a flood occurs. This nation's inadequate and frail healthcare system cannot handle the extraordinary load. A lack of sectoral collaboration, communication and risk assessment could limit the government's contingency strategy. A strict strategic plan for emergency response and short-term and long-term management should be developed in light of the unprecedented worst-case scenarios.