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Climate Change and Escalating Flood Risks in Bangladesh: Analyzing Trends and Adaptation Strategies.

Students & Supervisors

Student Authors
Intisar Jaman Chowdhoury
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science & Engineering, FST
Umme Fahmida Sultana
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science & Engineering, FST
Supervisors
Md. Mortuza Ahmmed
Associate Professor, Faculty, FST

Abstract

Bangladesh is historically susceptible to flooding due to its geographical location and immense river systems. As if that wasn't enough, climate change in the last few decades has made the situation worse. This research aims to find the impacts of climate change on flooding in Bangladesh from the year 1980 to 2024. More specifically, this research will focus on how climate change modification has impacted flood dynamics and what it means for future adaptation and planning.For flood analysis, this study integrates multiple data sets. Over the last forty years temperature and rainfall data were collected as well as river flow data from hydrological monitoring points. To analyze flood extent and duration, satellite imagery was used as well as government reports and international socioeconomic databases on flooding. In addition, socioeconomic consequences of flooding were also collected. Flood occurrence data was then compared with climate data to identify and analyze trends using statistical tools.The analysis reveals alarming climate trends in Bangladesh, with rainfall increasing by approximately 30% from 1980 to 2024 and extreme rainfall days doubling during this period. Flood-affected areas have expanded by 40%, displacing a record 8 million people in 2023 alone, while the Brahmaputra River reached unprecedented discharge levels of 115,000 m³/s that same year. These hydrological changes have caused severe economic impacts, with annual losses exceeding $1.4 billion between 2020 and 2023, particularly devastating the agricultural sector. Compounding these challenges, accelerating sea level rise at 9.3 mm/year has significantly worsened coastal flooding, leading to the annual displacement of about 500,000 people in vulnerable coastal communities.

Keywords

"Bangladesh floods Climate change Flood risk River discharge Adaptation strategies. "

Publication Details

  • Type of Publication:
  • Conference Name: 3rd International Conference 2025 on Building Inclusive Future: Society, Development and Governance in the 21st Century.
  • Date of Conference: 12/09/2025 - 12/09/2025
  • Venue: University of Rajshahi
  • Organizer: University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh
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