The probable impacts of climate change on poverty - UNDP

5.4 Extreme Climatic Events
Natural disaster is a regular
phenomenon in Bangladesh. Key
natural disasters are riverine and
flash flood, tropical cyclones,
tornados, and droughts due to its
unique geographical location
(Himalaya to the north and Bay <strong>of</strong>
Bengal to the south). It is reported
that between 1991 and 2000, 93
major disasters occurred in
Bangladesh, resulting in nearly
200,000 deaths and causing US $
5.9 billion in damages with high
losses in agriculture and
infrastructure (CCC, 2007). Since
then, the country is experiencing
extreme climatic events
frequently. It is revealed from the
disaster records <strong>of</strong> last three
decades that frequency <strong>of</strong> natural
disasters has increased over time.
<strong>The</strong> following table shows that
frequency <strong>of</strong> flood and tornado
has increased in last two decades.
Table 5.6 Frequency Table <strong>of</strong> Hazards
Decades
<strong>The</strong> Probable Impacts <strong>of</strong> Climate Change on Poverty and Economic Growth and
the Options <strong>of</strong> Coping with adverse Effect <strong>of</strong> Climate Change in Bangladesh
No. <strong>of</strong> events
Flood Cyclone Tornado Drought
80s 1 7 2 3
90s 3 4 1 3
00s 9 7 6 1
01s 6
1 5 0
Total 19
19 14 7
Source: BWDB (2007), CEGIS & SMRC
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