Mohammad Abdur Rob, PhD, Professor, Vice Chancellor, Manarat International University (MIU), Email: [email protected]
Marjia Akter Apu, Former Post Graduate Student, Department of Geography and Environment, Dhaka University, Email: [email protected]
Abstract
Bangladesh is one of the world's most watery and riverine regions where three of the Earth's mighty rivers flow majestically, inundating stretches of its area. The Greater Sylhet region of Bangladesh faces severe and recurrent flood hazards due to its unique haor basin geomorphology, proximity to the Meghalaya Plateau, and complex hydrology influenced by transboundary rivers. This study provides a comprehensive disaster management perspective focusing on flood with historical analysis, hydro-climatological drivers (including monsoon patterns, transboundary inflows, ENSO), and geomorphological influences. It characterizes prevalent flood types, details their devastating socio-economic and environmental impacts, and reviews structural and non-structural mitigation strategies, incorporating insights from recent susceptibility assessments. The study underscores the necessity of Integrated Flood Risk Management (IFRM), emphasizing enhanced forecasting, risk-informed land use, ecosystem-based approaches, community preparedness, and transboundary cooperation to build resilience in this highly susceptible region.
Keywords: Hazard, Haor Basin, Flash Flood, Riverine Flood, Disaster Management, Hydro-climatology, ENSO, IOD, Water Governance, Climate Change Adaptation, Flood Susceptibility.
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