Disaster Report 2013 PDF

Disaster Report 2013
Department of Disaster Management

Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief
Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh
Disaster Report 2013 1

All rights reserved by the Department of Disaster Management, Ministry of Disaster Management and
Relief, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh
First Published: October, 2014
Chief Advisor
Mohammad Abdul Wazed, Director General, Department of Disaster Management
Technical Committee
Ataur Rahman, Deputy Director (Training), Department of Disaster Management
Khemraj Upadhyaya, Consortium Manager, National Alliance for Risk Reduction and Response Initiative
Naser Shawkat Haider, Programme Manager - DIPECHO VII, ActionAid Bangladesh
Abdul Jalil Lone, Project Manager – DIPECHO VII, Concern Worldwide
Shah Muntamin Mujtaba, Program Manager, Islamic Relief Bangladesh
MD. Rezaul Karim, Consultant-DRR-CCAA
Data Compilation, Drafting and Editing

Professsor Dr. Shahidul Islam
Nushrlamat Rahman, Program Officer, Islamic Releif Bangladesh
Farzana Haque, Designer
Published by
Department of Disaster Management, Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, Government of the
People’s Republic of Bangladesh
Disaster Management Bhaban, 92-93 Mohakhali C/A, Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh

Tel: (+88-02) 9841581, Fax (+88-02) 9860130, Website: www.ddm.gov.bd
2 Disaster Report 2013

PREFACE
The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) under the Ministry of Disaster Management
and Relief (MoDMR) is very pleased to publish the Annual Report 2013 on Disaster Response.
The report is a reflection of the accumulated report of loss and damages caused by the disasters
occurred in Bangladesh in 2013.Bangladesh has proved its capacity to manage disasters through
effective response mechanism; especially in Cyclone Mahasen, Tornado of Brahmanbaria and
Rana Plaza tragedy.
During the period of Cyclone Mahasen in the southern coastal area of Bangladesh, government,
non-government organization/agency, civil society and community collaborated and organized
preparedness activities that saved thousands of lives and assets in Borguna district. The
emergency response mechanisms adopted by these institutions were demonstration of strength
of Bangladesh to reduce the disaster risk.
The Rana Plaza tragedy that occurred on April 24, 2013 caused death of 1,135 people. However,
the 2,500 injured people rescued alive from the building goes to show what is the country’s
capacity in disaster management.
In preparing this report, DDM acknowledges the contribution and cooperation of the NARRI
consortium for providing technical support that was existed throughout the entire development
process of the annual report on Disaster 2013.
We, on behalf of DDM, would like to extend our thanks to the Minister, Ministry of Disaster
Management and Relief, as well as different other Ministries, Directorates, Departments,
Institutes and Bureaus of the Government for their unconditional supports and encouragement
in developing this report. The Department would also like to take this opportunity to express
deep appreciation to European Commission Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection (ECHO) for
financing the production of the report through NARRI consortium.
Mohammed Abdul Wazed

Director General (Additional Secretary)
Department of Disaster Management (DDM)
Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief
Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh

ABBREVIATION
BDRCS : Bangladesh Red Crescent Society
BDT : Bangladesh Taka
BGB : Border Guard Bangladesh
BMD : Bangladesh Meteorology Department
BWDB : Bangladesh Water Development Board
CDMP : Comprehensive Disaster Management Program
CPP : Cyclone Preparedness Program
DDM : Department of Disaster Management
DL : Danger Level
DMIC : Disaster Management Information Center
FFWC : Flood Forecasting and Warning Center
GOC : General Officer Commanding
IFRC : International Federation of Red Crescent and Red Cross
MoDMR : Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief
MT : Metric Tons
NDRT : National Disaster Responding Team
PWD : Public Works Department
RAB : Rapid Action Battalion
RHD : Roads and Highways Department
SOD : Standing Orders on Disaster
SPARRSO : Space Research and Remote Sensing Organization
UDMC : Union Disaster Management Committee
UP : Union Parisad
UzDMC : Upazila Disaster Management Committee
WFP : World Food Program
WL : Water Level

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Chapter 1: Introduction
Bangladesh, one of the most vulnerable countries of the world in terms of natural and anthropogenic
hazards, is a low-lying deltaic country covering an area of 147,470 sq. km and supporting about
150 million people with a population density of 1033 per km2. The geographical setting and
meteorological characteristics has made the country vulnerable to different geo-hazardsand
hydro-metrological hazards. The major disasters concerned in the country are floods, cyclones,
droughts, tidal surges, tornadoes, earthquakes, river erosion, fire, infrastructure collapse, high
arsenic contents of ground water, water logging, water and soil salinity, epidemic, and various
forms of pollution etc. These events are termed as disasters when they adversely affect the
entire environment, including human beings, shelters and the resources essential for livelihoods.
This report is an overview of the disasters, both natural and human induced, which affected
Bangladesh in 2013. The report has been prepared based on data available with BMD, BWDB,
DMIC, and concerned NGOs. Various daily newspapers were also reviewed to gather relevant
information. Case studies on Cyclone Mahasen, Tornado of Brahmanbaria and building collapse
of Rana Plaza were also developed to complement the report.
Chapter 2: Flood
Floods are normal phenomenon in Bangladesh. It usually occurs during the monsoon season.
In 2013, the country experienced normal flooding incidents in July and September. On the
onset of monsoon in July, a wider part of north Bengal and part of central region along the river
Brahmaputra were affected. Furthermore, the north-western part of the country was flooded;
although the area affected by flood was high, the duration was relatively low. In the northeastern
part, on the contrary, flood intensity was short to moderate while moderate flooding occurred
for short duration in the central region. In the southwestern part of the country, particularly in
Satkhira and Khulna districts, floods were prolonged due to poor drainage conditions, especially
in Kobodak Haribhanga and Shibsa river catchment areas. At Jhikorgacha of the Kobodak River,
the water flow was above the danger level for consecutive 120 days (Annual Flood Report 2013,
FFWC, Page VI) ; 9 people were killed and about 28,000 families were affected.
Chapter 3: Cyclone and Storm Surge
Cyclone and storm-surges are common annual events during the pre-monsoon and retreating
monsoon periods along the coastal belt of Bangladesh. In 2013, the number of such coastal
cyclonic events were quite few compared to previous years. The cyclone MAHASEN made
landfall on 16th May as a pre-monsoon type cyclonic event. The cyclone affected 8 coastal
districts that including Chittagong, Bhola, Barguna, Pirojpur, Noakhali, Patuakhali, Satkhira and
Laxmipur; 386, 221 people 251 unions of 42 upazilas of these 8 districts were affected by the
cyclone. The devastating consequences of the cyclone included death of 17 people and 102
injuries; also,14,828 houses were fully and 44,182 were partly damaged.
1
Foot note required

Chapter 4: Tornados and Nor’-Wester
A total number of 5 Tornado incidents were reported in the year 2013. These were Brahmanbaria
Tornado on 22nd March, Natore and Noagoan Tornadoes on 1st April, Jessore Tornado on 25th May
and Gopalganj Tornado on10th June. Among these, the Brahmanbaria Tornado was particularly
catastrophic in nature; it passed through 6 unions of 2 upazilas of Brahmanbaria District. More
than 15 villages were affected by the super Tornado, and a total of 34 people were killed and 388
were injured. Although the Natore Tornado had no death toll, 479 households were heavily and
809 households were partially affected. At Noagoan, 2 people died and 26 were injured. A total
of 340 households were heavily and 3830 households were partially affected.
Chapter 5: Building Collapse
In recent years, incidents of building collapse have increased significantly throughout the country.
A total of 7 buildings collapsed during 2013 killing 1135 people4 . However, the collapse of Raza
Plaza on April 24, 2013 was the most tragic industrial accident in the history of Bangladesh; it killed
1135 people, leaving 2,500 people injured. Immediately after the incident, a rescue operation
was initiated under the guidance of Bangladesh Army in association with Bangladesh Navy, Fire
Service, BGB and Police. In addition, many volunteers took part in the rescue activities. One of
the important aspects of the rescue operation was the stimulus participation of volunteers of
different age and groups. Around 1,000 volunteer from Dhaka, Keraniganj and Narayanganj took
part in the rescue operation.
Chapter 6: Cold Wave
Cold wave coupled the country during the first week of January, affecting more than 20 districts
including Panchagarh, Thakurgaon, Dinajpur, Nilphamary, Lalmonirhat, Rangpur, Kurigram,
Gaibandha, Bogra, Joypurhat, Naogaon, Nawabganj, Rajshahi, Natore, Sirajganj, Pabna and
Mymensing in the north, Moulvibazar in the east and few districts in the south namely Kushtia,
Jessore, Faridpur and Madaripur. More than 50% of populations living in those districts were
affected and 80 people were killed, many of them were children. During the cold wave of 2013,the
temperature of Saidpur dropped down to 3 degrees Celsius, the lowest records in Bangladesh
since 1968.
Chapter 7: River Bank Erosion
Out of 489 upazilas of Bangladesh, 94 upazilas were affected by river erosion in 2013, of which
35 were severe in nature. Some important erosion affected areas includes Sirajgong, Aricha,
Mawa, Chandpur and Rangpur, Dhanut upazila of Bogradistrict; also, 13 unions of river side
upazilas in Kurigram district, Chilmariupazila, Bhuapur of Tangail district, Mirzapur upazila,
Chauholi upazila, Sirajgong hard point, Daulatpur upazila of Manikgang, Biyani Bazar, Chadpur,
Sonargoan upazila, Madanipur upazila, Goalando upazila, Pangsha upazila , Daulatpur upazila
of Kushtia, Dumuria and Koira upazila of Khulna were affected.

Chapter 8: Fire
Fire is one of the notable human induced disasters in Bangladesh. Every year, hundreds of people
die and many are injured due to fire accidents. In 2013, a total number of 8868 fire incidents
took place throughout the country and most of the them occurred in Dhaka and Chittagong.
Secondary data from newspapers shows that in 2013 the number of death occurred due to fire
hazard were 65 and 191 people were injured.
Chapter 9: Earthquake and Tsunami

Due to its close proximity to tectonically active plate boundaries, Bangladesh is prone to
earthquake. The country has experienced numerous large earthquakes in the past 200 years. In
2013, BMD has recorded 16 earthquake tremors with a magnitude ranging from 3.3 to 5.9 RS
in and around Bangladesh border areas. The earthquake of January 9, 2013 had a magnitude
of 5.9.RS and was felt throughout the country. The epicenter was 495km from Dhaka city and
was located near Bangladesh-Myanmar border area. There was no report of any casualties
or damages. However, there was tsunami warning or tsunami effects along the coastal belt of
Bangladesh in 2013.
Chapter 10: Other Disaster
Besides the above-mentioned hazards, other significant disasters in Bangladesh are arsenic
contamination, salinity intrusion, drought, water logging and landslides. The southwestern
coastal belt of Bangladesh is suffering from salinity intrusion and water logging for ages. There
is also the case of drought in northwestern part. Arsenic contamination of ground water is also a
cause of prolonged suffering for most part of the country. However, there was only one incident
of land slide in 2013 at Lalkhan Bazar, Chittagong Cityon 28th July. In total 2 women were killed
in the incident.
Chapter 11: Conclusion
Bangladesh faced a number of disasters in 2013, among which 3 events were catastrophic in
nature. The Cyclone Mahasen hit 8 coastal districts; however prompt effective and collaborative
initiatives by government and other concern organizations and stakeholders restricted the
loss and damage to a minimum level. The Tornado of Brahmanbaria was also addressed by
the Government utmost effort . The incident of Rana Plaza was a challenge as such scale of
building collapse was new to the country. Nevertheless the voluntarism to rescue the victims
gave Bangladesh another legendary success of coping and fighting with disasters.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Preface 03
Abbreviation 04
Executive Summary 05
Chapter-1
Introduction 11
1.1. Background 11
1.2. Scope of the Report 12
1.3. Methodology 12
1.4. Structure of the Report 12
Chapter-2
Flood 13
2.1. Introduction 13
2.2. Flood in Bangladesh: Historical Perspectives 13
2.3. Flood in 2013 14
2.4: Loss and Damage 18
2.5: Response 20
Chapter-3
Cyclone and Storm Surges 22
3.1: Introduction 22
3.2: Cyclone and Storm Surges in Bangladesh: Historical Perspectives 22
3.3. Cyclone and Storm Surges in 2013 23
3.4. Super cyclone Mahasen: Formation and Landfall 23
3.5. Affected Areas 24
3.6. Loss and damages 26
3.7. Response 29
3.8. Case Study 30
Chapter-4
Tornadoes and Nor’-Wester 32
4.2. Tornado in Bangladesh: Historical Perspectives 32
4.3. Tornado in 2013 35
4.4. Catastrophic Tornado at Brahmanbaria 35
4.5. Formation and Landfall of Brahmanbaria Tornado 36
4.6. Affected Areas 36
4.7. Loss and Damages 38
4.8. Responses 40
Chapter-5
Building Collapse 43
5.2. Building Collapse in 2013 43

5.3. Collapse of Rana Plaza: The Tragedy of Garments Workers 43
5.4. Rescue Operation 45
5.5. Relief Activities 48
5.6. Case Study 48

Chapter-6
Cold Waves 51
6.2. Cold wave in 2013 51
6.3. Response 53
Chapter-7
River Bank Erosion 54
7.2. River Bank Erosion in Bangladesh: Historical Perspectives 54
7.3. River bank Erosion in 2013 56
7.4. Loss and Damage 58
Chapter-8
Fire 59
8.2: Fire in 2013 59
8.3: Fire in Garment Industries 61
Chapter-9
Earthquake and Tsunami 64
9.2. Earthquakes in Bangladesh: Historical Context 64
9.3. Earthquake in 2013 66
9.4. Tsunami in 2013 67
Chapter-10
Conclusion 68
Chapter- 11
References 69

TABLES

Table 2.1: Year-wise Flood Affected Area in Bangladesh 13
Table 2.2: Rainfall in 2013 (+/-) compared to Normal during the Monsoon Season 14
Table 2.3: Basin Wise Monthly List of Station Crossing DL in 2013 17
Table 2.4: Loss and Damages Due to Flood of 2013 19
Table 2.5: Response Initiatives from Agencies 21
Table 3.1: Severe Cyclones Affecting Bangladesh since 1960 22
Table 3.2: Mahasen Affected Districts 24
Table 3.3: Total Loss and Damages in the Affected Coastal Districts by Mahasen 26
Table 3.4: Location of Cyclone Centers along the Coastal belt of Bangladesh 29
Table 3.5: Emergency Supports to Mahasen Affected People in the Coastal Area 29
Table 4.1: List of Catastrophic Tornadoes in Bangladesh Killing more than 50 People 34
Table 4.2: List of Tornadoes in 2013 and Damages 35
Table 4.3: Affected Areas by Brahmanbaria Tornado in 2013 36
Table 4.4: Damage Caused by Tornado of 22 March, 2013 at Brahmanbaria 39
Table 4.5: Upazila wise Crop Damage Caused by Tornado of 22 March, 2013 39
Table 4.6: Necessary Supports and Allocation to the Tornado Victim families 40
Table 4.7: Shows the Supports Provided by BDRCS and IFRC 42
Table 5.1: Losses due to Collapse of Rana Plaza 45
Table 5.2: Responsibilities of the Volunteers 46
Table 5.3: Treatment Information of Injured People (Source: Health Dept.) 47
Table 6.1: Division Wise Blanket Distribution 53
Table 6.2: GoB Money Allocation to City Corporations for Blanket 53
Table 7.1: Loss and Damages-2013 57
Table 7.2: Loss and Damages - 2013 58
Table 8.1: Fire Incident in 2013 59
Table 8.2: Fire in Garments Industries-2013 63
Table 9.1: Major Earthquakes in Bangladesh 65
Table 9.2: Locations of Earthquake-2013 67

CHAPTER 1 : INTRODUCTION
1.1: Background
Bangladesh occupies the greater parts of the Bengal Basin, which is one of the largest
geosynclinals of the world. The Himalayas in the north, Shillong Plateau in the northeast and
Choto-Nagpur plateau in the west are the bounding controls of the Basin, which has led to develop
a unique environment of sediment accumulation from all three sides. Due to sediments influxes
over thousands of years into the Basin, it gave birth to the fertile low-lying country, Bangladesh.
except few hills and tree Pleistocene terraces, is a plain land with very gentle slope towards
the south. Location of the Bay of Bengal in the south is another controlling factor for physical,
social and cultural setting of the country. Bangladesh has truly been emerged from the sea and
hundreds of rivers have given the shape of its landscapes as one of the fertile landmasses of the
earth. The geographical setting of Bangladesh has made the country vulnerable to a series of
geo and or hydro-metrological hazards.
The major hazards concerned here are the occurrences of floods, cyclones, droughts, tidal
surges, tornadoes, earthquakes, river erosion, fire, infrastructure collapse, high arsenic contents
of ground water, water logging, water and soil salinity, epidemic and various forms of pollution
etc. These are termed as disasters when they adversely affect the whole environment, including
human beings, their shelters, or the resources essential for their livelihoods.
The mountains and hills bordering almost three-fourths of the country, along with the funnel
shaped Bay of Bengal in the south, made the country a meeting place of life-giving monsoon
rains and made it subjected to catastrophic ravages of natural disasters. The Bay of Bengal
is widely known as the breeding place of catastrophic cyclones due to the presence of Inter-
Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).These cyclones turn into disaster, and finally find their way
towards the coastal belt of Bangladesh and are subject to colossal damages to life and property
almost every year.
Flood is a recurring phenomenon in the country. Floodplains of the Brahmaputra-Jamuna, the

Ganges-Padmaand the Meghna river systems are regularly flooded during the monsoon of each
year.
Although this country with monsoon climate has enough rain, droughts frequently take place
especially in the northwest region of the country with a significant impact on agricultural.
Tropical cyclones from the Bay of Bengal accompanied by storm surges are one of the major
disasters in Bangladesh. The country is one of the worst sufferers of all cyclonic casualties in the
world. The high number of casualties occur due to the fact that cyclones are always associated
with storm surges.
Disastrous erosions are mainly associated with the major river systems of the country and seen
along the banks of the Brahmaputra-Jamuna, Ganges-Padmaband Meghna River system. Due
to riverbank erosion, lands are lost and people are displaced to new places, mostly in urban or
peri-urban areas.

1.2. Scope of the Report
Natural disasters cannot be prevented, but the damage can be minimized with adequate
preparedness and risk reduction measures. The impacts of these disasters differ by type
and magnitude. They also critically depend on institutional strength and response capacity of
different agencies that usually take measures to manage disasters such as the government
and civil service organizations. Bangladesh has given the highest priority to risk reduction
initiatives in disaster management efforts and mainstreaming it in all development initiatives of
the government. The SOD is a powerful device for quick response by the concerned government
organizations and stakeholders to initiate necessary efforts to combat the hazard and minimize
the extent of loss and damages. In 2012, the Government adopted the Disaster Management
Act-2012 and in accordance with the Act the Department of Disaster Management (DDM) had
been set-up in 2012 replacing the Disaster Management Bureau. DDM, since its formation has
been working to reduce the vulnerabilities due to different disasters by undertaking risk reduction
initiatives and coordinating disaster risk reduction (DRR) program with various government and
non-government organizations. With these endeavor, one of the important tasks is to publish
annual report of disaster at regular basis, aiming to document all disasters occurring and affecting
throughout the country.
1.3: Methodology
This report is prepared by rigorously reviewing all available information on disaster events of
2013. Information was collected from BMD on climatic events, such as cyclones and storm-
surges, cold waves, and earthquake incidents. Fire and building collapse related data were
collected from FSCD. Flood related data were collected from BWDB and FFWC. Situation
reports are regularly published by DMIC on disasters were also analyzed. Large number of data
were collected from DDM, DMIC, NDRRC and CDMP. Nirapod, a national NGO also publishes
situation report on disaster occasionally and their relevant reportswere reviewed. Moreover,
newspapers have been consulted to collect disaster related news of 2013. Day-to-day news of
Prothom Alo, Jugantar, Kalerkontho, Ittefaqand Daily star were examined. Three case studies
have been developed covering three most significant disastrous events of 2013; Cyclone
Mahasen, Bramanbaria Tornado and Collapse of Rana Plaza at Savar. Data collected from all
relevant sources were used in GIS platform for analysis and presentation in maps of thematic in
natures. All the maps available in the reports are original and are prepared using GIS technology.
1.4: Structure of the Report
This report includes eleven chapters. Chapter 1 is an introduction to the disaster scenarios of
Bangladesh with a background. Schematic description of each disaster starts from chapeter
2 and it continues up to chapter 10. The description begins with Flood in chapter 2, followed
by Cyclones and Storm surges, Tornadoes and Nor’-wester, Building collapse, Cold wave,
Riverbank Erosion, Fire, and Earthquake and Tsunami in chapter 3,4,5,6,7,8,and 9 respectively.
In chapter 10, all other remaining disasters have been discussed. Concluding remarks are given
in Chapter 11.

CHAPTER 2 : FLOOD
2.1: Introduction
Bangladesh is one of the biggest deltas of the world with an extensive network of more than 310
rivers. Monsoon rainfall in the upstream catchment of Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna system
and within the country is the major cause of flood in Bangladesh. Flood is a normal monsoon
phenomenon in this deltaic plains landmass. In the Brahmaputra basin, flood usually begins in
the late June, while in the Ganges basin it starts from the second half of July. Rivers in the North
and Southeastern Hill basins are characterized by flash flood. The coastal belt of Bangladesh
is inundated by regular tidal flood. The livelihood of the people in Bangladesh is well adapted to
normal monsoon flood. However, damages and human suffering to flood are common features
in many parts of the country. Flood often has disastrous consequences and is the cause of major
damage to infrastructure, great loss of property, crops, livestock, poultry etc. Each of the major
flood adversely affected food security and poverty situation of the country.
2.2: Flood in Bangladesh: Historical Perspectives
Bangladesh hasa sub-tropical monsoon climate, with an annual average rainfall of about 2,300
mm, ranging from 1,200 mm in the north-west to over 5,000 mm in the north-east. There are
310 rivers in Bangladesh, including 57 trans-boundary rivers and Ganges, Brahmaputra and
Meghna are the three major rivers. During the monsoon period, an inundation of about 20% to
25% area of the country is considered as normal flood, which is beneficial for crops, ecology and
environment. However, inundation of more than that, either vertically or horizontally is the cause
of loss and damage of lives and properties, and human sufferings in Bangladesh. The widely
known floods of 1954, 1955, 1974, 1987, 1988 1998, 2004 and 2007 caused heavy damage.
The catastrophic flood of 1987 inundated about 40% of the country. The flood of 1988 was also
catastrophic in nature, inundating about 60% of the country, and its return period was estimated
at 50-100 years. Similarly, in 1998 more than 70% of the country was inundated.
Table 2.1:Year-wise Flood Affected Area in Bangladesh
Flood Affected area Flood Affected area Flood Affected area

Year Year Year
Sq-Km % Sq-Km % Sq-Km %
1954 36,800 25 1975 16,600 11 1995 32,000 22
1955 50,500 34 1976 28,300 19 1996 35,800 24
1956 35,400 24 1977 12,500 8 1998 1,00,250 68
1960 28,400 19 1978 10,800 7 1999 32,000 22
1961 28,800 20 1980 33,000 22 2000 35,700 24
1962 37,200 25 1982 3,140 2 2001 4,000 2.8
1963 43,100 29 1983 11,100 7.5 2002 15,000 10
1964 31,000 21 1984 28,200 19 2003 21,500 14
1965 28,400 19 1985 11,400 8 2004 55,000 38
1966 33,400 23 1986 6,600 4 2005 17,850 12
1967 25,700 17 1987 57,300 39 2006 16,175 11

Flood Affected area Flood Affected area Flood Affected area
Year Year Year
Sq-Km % Sq-Km % Sq-Km %
1968 37,200 25 1988 89,970 61 2007 62,300 42
1969 41,400 28 1989 6,100 4 2008 33,655 23
1970 42,400 29 1990 3,500 2.4 2009 28,593 19
1971 36,300 25 1991 28,600 19 2010 26,530 18
1972 20,800 14 1992 2,000 1.4 2011 29,800 20
1973 29,800 20 1993 28,742 20 2012 17,700 12
1974 52.600 36 1994 419 0.2 2013 15,650 10.6
Source: BWDB, GoB
2.3. Flood in 2013
In 2013, the floods in Bangladesh were not severe in nature and in general term, this was
a normal flood year. However, north-western part of the country was flooded and the flood
coverage area was significantly wider in scale, although for a short duration. In the north-eastern
part, it was short to moderate while the central part experienced moderate duration flood. In
the south-western part of the country, as in part of Satkhira and Khulna districts, the flood was
prolong due to poor drainage conditions, especially in Kobodak, Haribhanga and Shibsa river
catchment areas. At Jhikorgacha of the Kobodak river, the water flow was above the danger
level for consecutive 120 days.
One of the major cause of flood in Bangladesh is the torrential rainfall. In 2013, Bangladesh
experienced 14.1% less rainfall than normal monsoon rainfall, with an acceptation in October
(Table -1.2) During October, all basins received more rainfall than the normal value, with the
highest of 155% more in Ganges basin area. During the month of May, the average monthly
rainfall was also 60-66% higher in the Ganges, Meghna and South East Hill basins, as due to
tropical Cyclone Mahasen that hit Bangladesh coast in 16 May 2013.
Table-2.2: Rainfall in 2013 (+/-) compared to Normal During the Monsoon Season
Brahmaputra South East Hill

Month Ganges basin Meghna basin
basin basin
May -30.69% 66.35% 60.94% 66.07%
June -34.8% -20.9% -34.02% -25.45%
July -37.6% -11.6% -22.8% -34.2%
August -17.4% +14.56% -12.5% -17.0%
September -57.3% -4.7% -32.9% 0.3%
October 11.62% 155% 21.21% 18.33%
BWDB Data 2013
During the monsoon period of 2013, the districts of Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, Gaibandha, Bogra,
Rangpur, Serajgonj, Tangail, Jamalpur, Narayangonj, Munshigonj, Madaripur, Sariatpur, Sylhet,
Sunamgonj, Netrokona, Sherpur, Moulvi Bazar, Brahmanbaria, Habigonj, Chittagong, Bandarban
and Cox’s Bazar were flooded. Moreover, duration of flood was longer than the previous years
in few stations, especiallyin part of Khulna, Jessore and Satkhira districts.

Basin wise flood situation is unique in Bangladesh. In a normal flood year, not all basins are
flooded simultaneously. Usually flood season starts in Bangladesh with occurrence of flash flood
in the Meghna Basin, followed by Brahmaputra and Ganges Basin, respectively. In 2013, such
uniqueness of flood situation was noticed.
Map-2.1: Flood Affected Area in 2013

Brahmaputra
Basin :
In the Brahmaputra
Basin, 6 out of 23
Water Level (WL)
monitoring stations
crossed their
respective danger
levels. During the
second week of July,
WL at Kurigram on
Dharlahas been over
the danger level for
3 days while it was
Dalia on Teesta for
7 days. However,
in mid-September,
Bahadurabad,
Serajgonj, Aricha
and Gaibandha
remained above
danger level for
8, 3, 5 and 4 days
respectively. As
a result, low-lying
areas of Kurigram,
Lalminiorhat,
Gaibandha, Bogra,
Rangpur,Serajgonj,
Tangail, Jamalpur
and Narayangonj
districts remain
flooded for short
period.
Ganges Basin: In the Ganges Basin, 6 out of 22 WL monitoring stations exceeded their respective
danger level for short period of 1-2 days to 7-13 days. As result, during August and September,
the low lying areas of Chapai-Nawabgonj, Rajshahi, Kustia, Magura, Rajbari, Faridpur, Panchagr,
Thakurgain, Dinajpur, Manikgang, Munshigonj, Sariatpur and Noagaon districts were affected by
normal flooding for a short to medium periods. However, water level of Kobodak at Jhikorgacha
was above danger level for 120 days. Part of Satkhira, Jessore and Khulna districts were affected
by prolonged flooding during September - October.

Figure 2.1: Stations Water Level Crossing Danger Level
Water LevelLevel
Water Recording Stations
Recording and Danger
Stations Level Level
and Danger Cressing
Cressing
80 80
70 70
60 60
Number of station
Number of station
50 50
40 40
30 30
20 20
10 10
0 0
Brahmaputra Ganges Meghna South-East Total
Brahmaputra Ganges Meghna South-East
Region
Total
Region
River Basin
River Basin
No of Rivers No of Stations No of Staions Crossing Danger Level

No of Rivers No of Stations No of Staions Crossing Danger Level
Figure 2.2.: No of Day WL above the DL
Water Level Stations and Number of Days above Danger Level

Water Level Stations and Number of Days above Danger Level
140
Days above Danger Level
140
120
120
100
100
80
80
60
60
40
40
20
20
0
0

Days above Danger Level Station name
Station name
Affected Union Number

25
Table 2.3: Basin Wise Monthly List of Station Crossing DL in 2013
Month Rivers Stations River Basins

Manu Manu Raily Bridge and Moulovibazar
May Meghna Basin

Khowai Ballah and Habiganj
Gumti Comilla
Ichamati Sakra Ganges Basin
June Jadukata Lorergarh Meghna Basin
Sangu Banderban and Dohazari South Eastern Hill Basin
Teesta Dalia and Kaunia
Dharla Kurigram Brahmaputra Basin
Jamunaswari Badarganj
Karatoa Panchagarh
Punarbhaba Dinajpur
Tangon Thakurgaon
July Ganges Basin
Upper Atrai Bhusirbandar
Jamuna Naogaon
Atrai Mohadebpur
Surma Sunamganj Meghna Basin
Muhuri Parshuram
South Eastern Hill Basin
Halda Narayanhat and Panchpukuria
Turag Mirpur Brahmaputra Basin
Surma Kanaighat and Sylhet
Dhalai Kamalgonj Meghna Basin
August Kushiyara Amalshid, Sheola and Sherpur
Meghna Chandpur
South Eastern Hill Basin
Matamuhuri Lama and Chiringa
Feni Ramgarh
Balu Demra
Ghagot Gaibandha
Brahmaputra Noonkhawa and Chilmari
Dhaleswari Rekabi Bazar
Jamuna Bahadurabad, Serajgonj and Aricha
Brahmaputra Basin
September Old Brahmaputra Jamalpur and Mymensingh
Buriganga Dhaka
TongiKhal Dhaka
Lakhya Narayanganj
Kaliganga Taraghat
Banshi Nayarhat

Month Rivers Stations River Basins
Dhaleswari Jagir
Ganges Pankha, Rajshahi and Hardinge
Bridge
Mahananda Chapai-Nwabganj and Rohanpur
Gorai Gorai Rail Bridge and Kamarkhali
Ganges Basin
Mathabhanga Chuadanga and Hatboalia
Padma Goalanda and Bhagyakul
Kumar Faridpur
Arialkhan Madaripur
Kangsha Jariajanjail
Gumti Debider Meghna Basin
Meghna Bharaib Bazar
Karatoa Bogra and Chakrahimpur Brahmaputra Basin
Kabadak Jhikorgacha
Ganges Basin
Ich- Jamuna Phulbari
October
Bhugal Nakuagaon
Someswari Durgapur MeghanaBesin
Sarigowain Sarighat
Meghna Basin
The Meghna Basin area is characterized by many hilly river sand, in this basin, 8 out of 20 WL
monitoring stations flowed above their respective danger level. As a result, floods of short to
moderate durations were experienced in Sylhet, Sunamgonj, Netrokona, Sherpur, Moulvi Bazar,
and Habiganj districts in 2013. Many of those floods were flash flood and stayed only for a few
hours.
South-East Basins
In the South Eastern Hill basins, the WL ofthe Muhuri or Matamuhuri, Halda and Matamuhuri had
crossed their respective danger level for 1-2 days, with a short duration of flood in the low lying
areas of Chittagong, Bandarban and Cox’s Bazar districts.
2.4: Loss and Damages
It is difficult to estimate the damages from flood in 2013 due to paucity of data. In this year, flood
occurred Bangladesh two times - around July and September. During the onset of monsoon
in July, a wider part of north Bengal and part of central region along the Brahmaputra were
affected. Table-2.4 shows estimated damages from flood during this period. Of the 10 flood
affected districts, 4 were municipalities and 218 were unions of 33 upazilas. 9 people were
killed and about28,000 families were affected. Among all flood-affected districts, Thakurgaon,
Kurigram and Gaibandha had it worst.

During 2013, beside the river in flood, there were a number of incidents of tidal flooding along
many parts of coastal belt of Bangladesh. Due to 5 ft. tidal surge, Nizom Deep and part of
Hatia Island were inundated, damaging about 100 houses. Similarly, during June,many small
islands were inundated by 3-4 ft.surge at Golachipa of Patuakhali district, affecting about 10,000
people. In July, 4 unions of Monpuraupazila of Bhola district were also inundated by spring tide
affecting about 20,000 people and damaging 7 km embankment. In September, 300 houses
were damaged and 30,000 people became homeless in coastal districts of Bangladesh (Source:
ProthomAlo and Ittefaq news).
Table 2.4: Loss and Damages Due to Flood of 2013
Affected Area Damage Scenario

Ma-
Affected
rooned
No of No of House-
No of House- Crop
District Upazila Munici- Death holds Others
Union holds (Acre)
pality Toll as per
as per
GoB
NGO*
ThakurgaonSa-
dar, Baliadangi,
Thakur- No of
Ranishongkoilo, 02 40 08 9592 35,000 -
gaon Bridge:09
Haripur and
Pirgonj
No of house
fully: 868 and
KurigramSadar,
partially 6276;
Bhurungamari,
road: 28 km
Nageshari, Fully:
(including
Phulbari, 55 and
Kurigram - 51 01 9901 55,000 mud and
Razarhat, Partially:
Carpeting);
Ulipur, 570
Embank-
Roumariand-
ment: 7 km;
Chilmari
Educational
institution: 4
Phulchari, Sa-
ghata, Sundar-
Gaibandha gonj and - 19 - 5120 36,000 - -
GaibandahSa-
dar
Chirirbandar,
Khansama,
Dinajpur DinajpurSadar, - - - 3300 - 2154 -
Biral, Kaharol
and Birgonj
Panchagar-
20,000
Pan- Sadar, Atwari,
01 18 - - (af- - -
chagarh Boda and
fected)
Debigonj

Affected Area Damage Scenario
Ma-
Affected
rooned
No of No of House-
No of House- Crop
District Upazila Munici- Death holds Others
Union holds (Acre)
pality Toll as per
as per
GoB
NGO*
Dimala and Jald-
Nilphamari - 12 - - 20,000 - -
haka
Kazipur, Sira-
jgonjSadar,
Sirajgonj Belkuchi, Chou- - 32 - - 55,000 - -
haliand
Shajadpur
Bogura Sariakandi - - - 400 - - -
1 (9
wards
Lalmonirhatsa-
of Pat-
Lalmoirhat dar, Hatibandah, 21 - - 16,000 - -
gram
and Patgram
Munici-
pality)
Islampur, Mader-
gonj, Bokshigonj,
Jamalpur - 25 - - 30,000 - -
MelandahandDe-
wangonj
Total=10 33 4 218 9 28,313 2,57,000
Source: NIRAPAD, July 2013
2.5: Response
During the July flood in 10 northern and central districts, necessary supports were extended
from the Government sources. Government extended necessary supports for flood affected 10
northern and central districts in July. A total of 1500 MT rice were distributed among the victim’s
families, along with cash support of BDT 43,00,000. Moreover, 57 temporary flood shelters
were opened mostly in Thakurgaon and Gaibandha districts. 40 medical teams were working in
different flood affected areas of Gaibandha district.

Table 2.5: Response Initiatives from Agencies
Prime
Minister
GR Cash No of
Name of GR Rice Relief Others Sup-
Agency (00,000 Shelter Comments*
District (MT) Fund port
BDT) opened
(00,000
BDT)
Thakurgaon GoB 200.0 10 - 12 - -
Kurigram GoB 200.0 5 - - - 200 people
were taken
shelter
Gaibandha GoB 200.0 5 - 45 No of Medical -
Team : 40
Dinajpur GoB 200.0 5 5 - Dry and -
cooked food
Panchagarh GoB 200.0 5 - - - 4380 people
were taken
shelter at
school build-
ings
Nilphamari GoB 100.0 2 - - - -
Sirajgonj GoB 100.0 2 - - - -
Bogra GoB 100.0 2 - - - -
Lalmonirhat GoB 100.0 5 - - - -
Jamalpur GoB 100.0 2 - - - -
Total=10 1500 43 5 57
Source: NIRAPAD, 17 July 2013

CHAPTER 3 : CYCLONE AND STORM SURGES
3.1: Introduction
Bay of Bengal is the breeding ground of tropical cyclones with an average annual frequency
of 16 such disturbances, particularly with concentration in two periods: April-May and October-
December, of which 5 may rise to cyclonic strength with wind speed of 64-185 km/hour. More
than 40 million poverty- stricken coastal people of Bangladesh, including hundreds of off shore
islands are highly vulnerable to such tropical cyclone and storm-surges. The deadliest cyclone
made landfall in Bangladesh was the cyclone of 1970 (November 12, 1970) and took a toll of
more then 300,000 lives with property losses of more than a billion US dollar. Within a little
over two decades, another catastrophic cyclone on April 29, 1991 claimed lives of about 138
thousand people inflicting extensive damage to property worth more than two billion US dollars.
With increasing population, more and more people are compelled to live in the risky coastal
areas threatened by cyclonic storms and tidal surges and, till now, cyclone with tidal bore is
the major killer in the coastal regions of Bangladesh. However, people living in this region, and
nearby offshore islands and char (island) areas have been vulnerable for centuries.
3.2: Cyclone and Storm Surges in Bangladesh: Historical Perspectives
Because of unique geographic allocation, cyclones and tidal surges are considered the most
regular catastrophic phenomena along the coastal regions of Bangladesh, which has affect
around 20 million poverty- stricken people in 15 districts and hundreds of offshore islands. Most
cyclones are formed in either pre or post-monsoon period. Till today, 45 major cyclones have
been recorded of which some catastrophic cyclones are of 1965, 1970, 1985, 1991, 1997, 2007,
2009 and 2013.
Table-3.1: Severe Cyclones Affecting Bangladesh since 1960
Max. Wind Speed Storm Surge

Month Year Human Deaths
(km/h) Height (metre)
October 1960 210 4.5-6 5149
May 1961 146 2.5-3 11466
May 1963 203 4-5 11520
May 1965 162 3.5 19279
December 1965 210 4.5-6 -
October 1966 146 4.5-9 850
November 1970 223 6-9 500000
May 1985 154 3-4.5 11069
April 1991 225 6-7.5 138000
May 1994 200 - 170
May 1997 225 2.5-4 126
November 2007 223 3-4 3363
May 2009 92 3+ 190
May 2013 88 1.5-2 17
Source: Nizamuddin, 2001
3.3. Cyclone and Storm Surges in 2013
In 2013, the number of coastal cyclonic event was quite a few compared to previous years. The
only event, Mahasen, made its landfall on 16 May as a pre-monsoon type cyclonic event.
3.4. Super cyclone Mahasen: Formation and Landfall
Cyclone Mahasen made landfall on May16 , 2013 at 0900 hrs. with a wind speed of 110 km/hour
and a tidal surge of 3-4 of meter. A total of 123 mm rainfall was recorded at Patuakhali On 11th
May morning, it was at a distance of 350 km Southwest of Car Nicobar of the northernmost of
the Nicobar Islands, 1,030 km East-southeast of Trincomalee in Sri Lanka,1,300 km Southeast
of Chennai in India and 1,700 km South of Chittagong in Bangladesh. The depression moved
slightly north-westwards over the same area and was centered at 0900 hrs.of May 11,
2013 at about 1700 km south–southwest of Chittagong port,1610 km south south-west of Cox’s
Bazar port and 1705 km south south-east of Mongla port. According to BMD, the atmospheric
pressure was 990 mb and the maximum wind speed within 54 km. of the storm center was about
62 km/h rising, 88 km/h in gusts/squalls. On May 13, 2013 the cyclonic storm “Mahasen” was
centered about 1300 km south-southwest of Chittagong port,1230 km south-southwest of Cox’s
Bazar port and 1220 km south of Mongla port. Maximum sustained wind speed within 54 km of
the storm centre was about 62 km/h, rising to 88 km/h in gusts/squalls.
Picture-1: The Track of the Cyclone “Mahasen”
Source: Internet

On May 15, 2013 (at about 0900 hrs.) the cyclone center was located at about 875 km southwest
of Chittagong port, 815 km southwest of Cox’s Bazar port and 760 km south southwest of Mongla
port. Due to funnel shape of the shoreline, the cyclone was further intensified and started to
move further north-northeasterly direction. At 1000 hrs. of 15 May, the maximum sustained wind
speed within 54 km of the storm centre was about 62 km/h, rising to 88 km/h in gusts/squalls.
Chittagong and Cox’s Bazar hoisted danger signal number 7(seven) and Mongla port hoisted
signal number 5(five). The coastal districts of central and eastern part of the Bay hoisted signal
number 7(seven) and western coastal districts hoisted signal no 5(five). On May 16, 2013
morning, the cyclone made landfall to the coastal districts and in the afternoon it weakened into a
tropical storm. Finally crossing through Noakhali-Chittagong coast it moved to adjoining Tripura
of India as a land depression (See Picture above).
3.5: Affected Areas
The cyclone hit 8 coastal districts: Chittagong, Bhola, Barguna, Pirojpur, Noakhali, Patuakhali,
Satkhira and Laxmipur. 251 unions of 42 upazilas of these 8 districts were hit by the cyclone.
There were devastated consequences with total death of 17 people and 102 injuries.
Table-3.2: Mahasen Affected Districts
Affected Upa-
Sl. No District Affected Union Death
zila
1 Chittagong 4 28 2
2 Bhola 7 64 4
3 Barguna 6 7
4 Pirojpur 7 38 1
5 Noakhali 5 33 0
6 Patuakhali 8 72 3
7 Satkhira 2 5 0
8 Laxmipur 4 15 0
Total 17
Source: NDRCC, MoDM&R, GoB
A total of 386, 221 people were affected, 14, 828 houses were fully damaged and 44, 182 people
were partly damaged (Table 2).
The figure above shows that among the 8 affected districts, Bhola, Patuakhali and Pirojpur were
more severely affected by Mahasen. In Patuakhali 72 unions, in Bhola 65 union, and in Pirojpur
39 unions were affected. In these three districts, total 297, 909 people were affected which
accounts for 77. 15% of the total affected people. Patuakhali, Bholaand Pirojpur are historically
highly vulnerable areas to cyclone and storm

Map-3.1: Affected Areas by Mahasen
surges, as seen in 1970 and 1991 cyclones. Unique geographical location and funnel shaped
coastline are the major causes to intensify the cyclone propagation and height of the storm-
surges in these districts. High population density and very flat topography are the main causes of
increase in the number of affected population and resources along the coastal belt of Bangladesh.

Figure-3.1: Number of Affected Unions in Each Upazila by Mahasen
25
20
15
10
Affected Union
3.6: Loss and damages
Compared to previous cyclones in Bangladesh, the loss and damages due to cyclone Mahasen
was not very significant. Bangladesh is familiar with such catastrophic cyclones; 300 thousand
people were killed in 1970 and 138 thousand in 1991 while SIDR in 2007 killed 3363 people in
coastal region. However, Mahasen did not have that much intensity and the height of surges as
the earlier ones. Moreover, there were adequate preparedness from both government and non-
government agencies/organization for an early response and post cyclonic rescue, relief and
rehabilitation. Despite these preparation, a total of 17 peoples were killed and 102 were injured
(Table-2)
Table-3.3: Total Loss and Damages in the Affected Coastal Districtsby Mahasen
Affected House- Affected Shelter People

Affected Affected hold Death Injured Embank- occu- took
Upazila People
Full Partial ment pied shelter
Shitakunda 30000 0 1000 479 283000
Chit- Sandip 20000 50 650 2
tagong Banshkhali 350 0 5
Mirsari 3945 0 350
59296 50 2005 2 0 0 479 28300

Upazila People
Sadar 15000 1050 460 29300
Burhanud- 4000 2000 1500
din
Doulatkhan 20000 140 200 20
Bhola Lalmohan 20000 200 300 1 1
Tazumiddin 3500 300 400 80
Charfas- 100000 4000 10000 3 1
sion
Manpura 5000 120 1280
167500 6460 14730 4 102 0 460 29300
Amtali 1 324 64500
Taltali 1
Bamna 3
Barguna Sadar
Betagi 2
Pathargha-
ta
7
Mathbaria 13960 184 2303 1 161 82000
Kaukhali 7166 40 378
Bhandaria 12376 143 1081
Pirojpur Nazirpur 3000 26 343
Zianagar 13588 5 908
Nesarabad 2469 166
Sadar 7441 50 462
60000 448 5641 1 0 0 161 82000
Hatia 6600 1200 244 24500
Sub- 5650 1000
arnachar
Noakhali Compa- 4400 800
nyganj
Kabirhat 1326 103
Sadar 1150 106
19126 0 3209 0 0 0 244 24500
Sadar 11795 1490 3270
Patu- Bouful 15527 57 317
akhali Dashmina 5900 585 1750
Galachipa 10875 1116 3700 1

Upazila People
Kalapara 10620 2300 4200 2
Bangabali 9000 1450 3500
Mirjaganj 5160 460 1200
Dumki 1532 82 301
70409 7540 18238 3 0 0 0 0
Symnagar 1000 50
Satkhira
Debhata 1
1000 0 50 0 0 1 0 0
Sadar 1230 2
Raipur 1500
Laxmi-
pur Ramgati 5000 80 120
Kamalna- 2160 38 239
gar
9890 120 359 0 0 0 0 0
Source: DMIC, MoDM&R, GoB
Figure-3.2: Number of Affected People in Each Upazila of the Affected Districts
Affected People Number
12000
10000
8000
6000
4000
2000
Affected People

3.7: Responses
SoD is an important device to activate the concerned authorities to response the emergency,
particularly during the cyclone. Soon after the announcement of the cautionary signals,
Department of Disaster Management (DDM), Deputy Commissioners’ office and the UzDMCs
all were activated and took initiatives to warn the fishermen not to refrain from sailing to sea and
also alerted the coastal communities. CPP volunteers and UDMCs started to disseminate early
warning using their megaphone. Announcements, through the speakers of the mosques, were
made to alert the local people and advise them to move to the nearest cyclone centers. Other
necessary steps .
Table-3.4: Location of Cyclone Centers along the Coastal belt of Bangladesh
Sl. No District Cyclone Shelter (Nos) Population

1 Bagerhat 163 1,476,090
2 Barguna 216 892,781
3 Barisal 52 2,324,310
4 Bhola 677 1,776,795
5 Chandpur 80 2,416,018
6 Chittagong 679 7,616,352
7 Cox’s bazar 621 2,289,990
8 Feni 76 1,437,371
9 Jhalokati 17 682,669
10 Khulna 125 2,318,527
11 Lakshmipur 242 1,729,188
12 Noakhali 300 3,108,083
13 Patuakhali 340 1,535,854
14 Pirojpur 70 1,113,257
15 Satkhira 81 1,985,959
16 Shariatpur 38 1,155,824
Total 3777 33,859,068
Source: CDMP
Table -3.5: Emergency Supports to Mahasen Affected People in the Coastal Area
Sl. No. District GR Rice(MT) GR Cash(BDT)

1 Chittagong 600 1,500,000
2 Cox’s bazar 200 1,500,000
3 Laxmipur 200 800,000
4 Barisal 100 700,000
5 Barguna 200 800,000
6 Patuakhali 200 800,000
7 Pirojpur 200 700,000
8 Khulna 100 700,000
9 Bagehat 100 800,000
10 Satkhira 200 700,000
11 Bhola 100 1,000,000
12 Feni 100 500,000
13 Noakhali 200 800,000
Source: DDM, MoDM&R, GoB
were taken as per SoD. DDM monitored and coordinated the overall situation. CDMP provided
situation reports on Mahasen on regular basis through DMIC. Bangladesh Navy and Bangladesh
Air Force came forward with their 22 vessels and ships and around 20 aircraft to drop and
transport emergency relief goods. In the affected districts,1, 327 emergency medical teams were
formed and mobilized for Emergency Health Care Service.
An important component of cyclone mitigation measures is the construction of cyclone shelters.

Cyclone shelters are multi-storied buildings, often with open-structure foundation sand reinforced
concrete pillars. In 1992, there were 512 cyclone shelters distributed/constructed along the entire
coast of Bangladesh; now the number has increased to 3,777. Despite the recent expansion of
cyclone shelters in coastal Bangladesh, their numbers are still not adequate for the proportions
of population in each cyclone zone.
3.8: Case Study
Case Study
Early Warning and Evacuation
Barguna is the district that situated at the southern coastal region of Bangladesh. The people
of Barguna struggled with natural disasters like Cyclone SIDR, AILA or MAHASEN. After losing
everything in disaster, people start to dream again for new lives. However, disaster remains
accurse to them. Although disaster is very common for them, they have to carry on with their
normal life with the risks. On May 12, 2013, the people of Barguna coastal areas heard the
news on weather forecast of the advent of MAHASEN through LokoBetar. The government took
initial measures and tried to save life and assets. By using the community radio, they requested
the farmers to collect crops from the field (since 80% of crops were ripened), to cut down the
branches of larger tread tied the vegetable garden with hard bamboo.
For preparedness against the cyclone MAHASEN, the Deputy Commissioner called emergency
meeting at his office. The meeting was chaired by the District Commissioner, Mr. Md. Abdul
Wahab Bhuiyan. Representatives and officers from different departments were present at the
meeting. Different government officers were ordered to stay at their station at Union, Upazila and
Zila level until and unless the cyclone subsided. In the meeting, it was proposed and decided
that the Department of Disaster Management and Relief, weather forecasting department of
BMD and Radio LOKOBETER will work together for effective disaster preparedness. On May
13, 2014the Upazila administration, Union Parishad officials and representatives of CPP had
a discussion in the district commissioners’ office. They decided to broadcast the signaling and
preparedness news from that day afternoon.
For reducing the risks of cyclone MAHASEN, the Radio LOKOBETER management committee
instantly decided to broadcast the weather news continuously on a round-the-clock basis. Mr.
Janangir Alam, the Program Officer of Radio LOKOBETER told that they broadcasted the
weather news for 5 days continuously. In some areas, the volunteers of Radio LOKOBETER
also ensured some weather news to reach to the community by their own volunteers.

At the beginning, the community people did not believe the news. However, from 14th May, they
started responding to the news by taking their preparedness. At that very day, the administration
declared signal number 4 and requested community to go to cyclone shelter. At the beginning,
people were not prepared enough to take shelter at cyclone shelter, but with the raising of signal
and the news of weather forecast through LOKOBETAR they were motivated to take shelter.
Some other preparedness activities like life savings, relief, emergency healthcare etc. were also
in line with the cooperative initiatives from Government, NGOs, CPP and others to reduce the
damage of the disaster .
The Borguna Zila Troller/Trawler Owners Association Secretary Golam Mostafa Chowdhury
said, “The continuous broadcasting of weather news of Radio LOKOBETER saved more than
2000 trollers/trawlers”. The Deputy Director of Cyclone Preparedness Program (CPP) Mr.
Hafizur Rahman said that total 5,580 volunteers of CPP worked in 372 units for reducing the
risk of cyclone MAHASEN. The District Disaster and Relief Officer said, “There are 324 Cyclone
shelters with the capacity of 1 lakh 29 thousands 6 00 people in Borguna. However, at the
MAHASEN period, shelters were over crowded as too many people took shelter.
MAHASEN smashed the coastal district of Borguna on 15th May, 2013. In total 7 people died in
that disaster as per government record and 13 people died as per non-government record. As
per government data, 1,979 people were wounded and 118,305 families and 518,690 people
became victim of it. MAHASEN damaged crops of 74, 863 acre of land, 298 fish firms and 13,500
fish ponds. The death rate would increase certainly, if the people did not get any signal and news
and prepared themselves to face the dreadful catastrophe of nature. Lokobetar played a certain
role in the area so that people could take shelter at cyclone shelter timely and respond effectively
to the disaster risks.

CHAPTER 4 : TORNADOES AND NOR'-WESTER
4. 1. Introduction
The people of Bangladesh face Nor’wester and Tornado, which create loss and damages to life
and properties almost each year. During the pre-monsoon period, there have been incidents
of violent occurrences of tornadoes in the mainland of Bangladesh. The March-May period is
the formation and out-breaks period of tornadoes in Bangladesh, with the highest frequencies
from end March to mid-April with as harp decline thereafter. The frequency of Nor’westers and
Tornado usually reaches a maximum in April, whereas there are few in Mayand minimum in
March. Nor’wester s and tornadoes are more frequent in the afternoon.
4.2. Tornado in Bangladesh: Historical Perspectives
During the last 140 years, there have been more than 65 incidents of tornadoes; many were
catastrophic in nature. Since the independence of Bangladesh, the country has experienced
32 tornadoes of different magnitude; more than 100 people were killed in 12 of such events.
However, the tornadoes of April 26, 1989 (Saturia Tornado) and May 13, 1996 (Gupalpur-
Jamalpur Tornado) were the two most devastating events in the history of Bangladesh killing
1300 and 700 peoples respectively.
The climatic condition of India-subcontinent is characterized by local severe atmospheric

disturbance during the two transitional periods between southwest. During the pre-monsoon
period, there is likely occurrence of abnormal rainfall or drought conditions in different parts of
Bangladesh. There are some local atmospheric disturbances and seasonal storms, popularly
known as Nor’westers (Kalbaishakhi) and such Nor’westers are generally associated with
tornadoes. The tornadoes are formedwithin the Nor’wester and moves along the direction of the
squall of the mother storm. Usually, such tornadoes are formed and outburst in the afternoon.
Table-1 shows some of the devastating tornadoes that hit Bangladesh and killed more than 50
peoples.
Wind-speeds in Nor’westers usually do not exceed 113-130 km/hr (70-80 miles/hr.), though
often their speeds exceed 162 km/hr (100 miles/hr.).When the winds become whirling with
funnel shaped cloud having speed of more than that, they are termed tornadoes. Tornadoes
are suddenly formed and are extremely localized in nature and of brief duration. Thus, it is
very difficult to locate them or forecast their occurrence with the present techniques available.
However, high-resolution satellite pictures, suitable radar, and a network of
densely spaced meteorological observatories could be useful for the prediction or warning of
tornadoes.

Map-4.1: Tornado Affected Areas with dates

Table-4.1 : List of Catastrophic Tornadoes in Bangladesh Killing more than 50 People.
Date Time Location People Killed

7 April, 1888 19.00 Dhaka 118
7 April,1888 19.30 Rajbari 70
12 April, 1902 Dhaka 88
12 May, 1951 Faridpur district 200
16.00 Jhaukandi in Faridpur, Dohar and Nawabganj in
19 March, 1961 210
Dacca dist
3 April, 1961 Hit south of Comilla between Zangalia and Lalmai. 62
11 April, 1964 16.30 Magura and Naraildists.Including Mohammadpur. 500+
16 April, 1967 NA Naria and Bhederganj unions. 77
11 April, 1968 NA Naria, Zajira and Bhederganj under Shariatpurzila. 141
14 April, 1969 16.45 NE suburbs of Dhaka. 660
14 April,1969 17.15 HomnaUpazial of Comilla district 263
1 April, 1972 18.30 14 miles south-west of Mymensingh, 200+
5 April, 1972 16.50 Keraniganj and Baliaghata in south Dhaka suburbs, 75
29 April, 1972 NA Bhakua and Haripur unions of Barishal P.S., 300
12 April, 1973 15.00 Baliakandi in Faridpur dist., 200
17 April, 1973 14.45 Manikganj, SingairandNawabganj in Dhaka dist., 681
11 April, 1974 NA 11 miles west of Bogra, 100
1 April, 1977 16.00 Madaripur & Shibchar, 500
NA Mokshedpur, Bhanga and Tungipara unions of Go-
2 April, 1977 111
palganj,
Midday Parshuram, Fulgazi to Somarpur to Sonagazi in Feni
12 April, 1981 200
districts
14.30 Moved along Baitarani river, BD. Hit villages of Ka-
17 April, 1981 120
pundi, Erandi, Dhanbeni and Rengalbeda.
14 April, 1986 Evening Borni of Tungiapara, 120
26 April, 1989 18.30 Daultipur and Shalturia, 1300
20 April, 1990 NA Taras, Ullahpara and Shahazadpur in Sirajganj, 76
18 May, 1991 NA Gournadi in Barisal, 50
13 May, 1993 1645 Begumganj, Noakhali districts 50
1630 Madarganj, Gopalpur, Kallhati, Basail, Shakipur and
13 May, 1996 700
Mrizapur in Jamalpur and Tangail districts,
Source: CDMP, 2013

4.3. Tornado in 2013
Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) collects the information of daily incident of

Nor’wester and Tornadoes.5 incidents of Tornadoes have been reported in 2013. These are
Brahmanbaria Tornado of March22, 2014, Natore and Noagoan Tornadoes ofApril 1, 2014,
JessoreTornado of May 25, 2014 and Gopalganj Tornado of June 10, 2014. In all cases, the
tornadoes hit in the afternoon when most of the people were outside for different activities.
The Tornado which hit 2 Upazilas of Brahmanbaria was catastrophic in nature. A total of 34
people were killed and 388 were injured in this. A week later, on April 1, 2014 at 5.00 pm,
a Tornado hit various places of Natore and Noago an districts of North Bengal. At Natore,
there was no death tolls but 479 families were heavily affected and 809 families were partially
affected. However, 2 people were killed and 26 were injured in Noagoan. 340 families were
heavily affected and 3,830 families were partially affected.
Table-4.2: List of Tornadoes in 2013 and Damages
Location Date Time Death Injured Family Affected

Chittagong 600 1,500,000
Brahmanbaria 22nd March 5.30 pm 34 388 1728
Laxmipur 200 800,000
Natore 1st April 5.00 pm - - 1288
Barguna 200 800,000
Noagoan 1st April 5.00 pm 2 26 4170
Pirojpur 200 700,000
Jessor 25th May
Gopalgong 10th June
Total 38 414 7186
Source, NDRRC, MoDM&R
4.4. Catastrophic Tornado at Brahmanbaria
On March 22, 2013, a catastrophic tornado hit 2upazilas of Brahmanbaria district at around
5.10 pm. In less than 15 minutes, the terrifying tornado at a wind speed of 70 mile per hour and
diameter of 8 km, ruined 15 villages in 6 unions of Akhaura and Brahmanbaria Sadar Upazila.
Thousands of trees and utility poles were toppled down and thousands left homeless. The
tornado disrupted both train and road communication, which interrupted rescue operations. Part
of the prison house of the district collapsed, resulting in death of a guard. Many crops, mostly
paddy, were damaged.

Picture-1: the Funnel Shaped Wind Blow Picture-1: Total Damage of a House
4.5: Formation and Landfall of Brahmanbaria Tornado
It was a clear summer day. However, suddenly in the afternoon, a smoky funnel shaped tornado
started to blow from south-west corner and the local people were terrified with such an outburst
of the nature. Tornado is a common natural hazard in Bangladesh during the March-April period,
but people of Brahmanbaria and surrounding never experienced such ruinous natural event
except for flood. People of this area do not have any knowledge and experience about such
tornado and their houses were not built in resistance to such event; most of their houses are
of tin structure in densely populated area. The tornado damaged the infrastructures, houses,
standing crops, livestock and other means of livelihood. Only in 15 minutes time, thousands of
people became the worst victims of this deadly tornado and were forced to stay under open sky
with suffering and miseries.
4.6: Affected Areas
The Tornado passed through 6 Unions of 2 Upazilas of Brahmanbaria District. More than 15
villages of were hit by this super Tornado. The major affected villages are Patirhata, Urshiura,
Chandi, Chinair, Kodda, Radhika, Bashudev, Badshala in Sadarupazila, Azampur in Akhaura
and Merashine in Bijoynagar upazila. Among them, Urshiura, Jarurtola, Patiarhata, Sultanpur,
Jibontola, Chinair, Machirhata, Chaldpur and Paghachang villages were affected seriously.
Table-4.3: Affected Areas by Brahmanbaria Tornado in 2013
Name of Total number of Severely af- Moderately affected Not affected

Upazila Unions fected Union Union
12 2 3
Brahmanbaria
(incl. B.Baria (Machihata, (Ramrail, Sultanpur, 7
Sadar
municipality) Basudev) DakkhinSingerbil)
6 1
1
Akhaura (incl. Akhaura (Akhaura 4
(Uttar Akhaura)
municipality Municipality)
2 Upazilas 18 3 4 11

Map-4.2: Affected Unions of Brahmanbaria Sadar and Akhaura Upazila

Map-4.3: Affected Villages of Brahmanbaria Sadar and Akhaura Upazila
4.7: Loss and Damages

This single event resulted to huge casualties and damage to lives and properties in the affected
area. However, the damages can be broadly categorized accordingly:
i. Human casualty and injury

ii. Damages to Roads, Electric lines and other infrastructure
iii. Complete and/or partial damage to houses
iv. Damages to crops, farms, poultries, fisheries etc.
This catastrophic tornado made massive damages to lives and resources in the affected area.
Electric lines and poles were uprooted, 200 ft. prison boundary wall and 420 ft.prison security
boundary wall collapsed, women ward, kitchen, security wall and partition including main gate
of prison also collapsed. Road Communication systems collapsed due to numerous broken
trees. Electricity was disrupted and the whole Brahmanbaria city was seriously affected. Road
Communication, especially Sylhet-Chittagong Highway collapsed due to fallen and uprooted
trees on the road.

Table 4.4: Damage Caused by Tornado of 22 March, 2013 at Branmanbaria
Affected Affected Affected

Affected Fami- Affected People Affected
District Upazila Union Households
lies (no) (No) Crops (Acres)
(No) (No) (No)
Fully Partially Fully Partially Fully Partially Fully Partially
Barh-
2 6 1326 402 6630 1985 2635 752 173 1112
manbaria
Live- Affected Reli-
IInjured Poultry Affected Educa-
Death stock gious Institute Affected Road
District (No) Death tional Institutes
(No) Death (No) (km)
(No) (No)
(No)
Fully Partially
Barh-
34 388 299 910 1 5 5 2.25
manbaria
Table-4.4 shows that 34 people were killed and 388 were injured. The injured people were
immediately taken to local Upazila hospital for necessary treatment.8,615 people of 1,728
families were affected by the tornado. There were serious damages tomany infrastructure and
buildings. Total 3,387 households, 6 educational institutes and 1,285 acres of crop areawere
affected and 2.25 km of road was damaged. The Pre-monsoonal period is the time of Boro rice
cultivation in Bangladesh. At the time of Tornado in Brahmmanbaria, there were standing boro
crops in the field, which were about to harvest. However, in a few minutes time, much of the
standing crops, including Boro rice and vegetable farms were heavily affected. Table-4.5 shows
that in Brahmabaria Sadar upazila 490 hectors of rice field were affected, of which 60 hectors
were fully damaged. The status of vegetable fields was worse and 100 vegetables farms of 10
hectors land were fully damaged in this Upazila. In Akhaura Upazila, Akhaura North union was
very severely affected;in this Union, Boro crops of 30 hectors were affected, of which 10 hectors
were completely damaged.
Table 4.5: Upazila wise Crop Damage Caused by Tornado of 22 March, 2013 at Brahmanbaria
Upazila Crops Total Affected Damage (%) Other remarks

Area (Ha) area (Ha)
Brahmanbaria Rice (Boro) 14430 490 Fully (100%) damaged: 60 275 ha. fully
Sadar ha. damaged in an
Partially (50%) damaged: average
430 ha.
Vegetable 715 10 100% 10 ha. fully
damaged
Akhaura Rice (Boro) 5150 30 Fully (100%) damaged: 10 20 ha. fully
ha.Partially (50%) dam- damaged in an
aged: 20 ha. average
Vegetable 0 0 No/insignificant cultivation
Total 20295 530

4.8: Responses
a. Immediate Response:
Immediately after the tornado, rescue operations were carried out with the help of Fire Service,
BGB, Police, RHD, PWD and local public representative. A 10ft. high CI sheet partition was
constructed immediately in the district prison and electricity system inside the jail was restored
through generator. Fire Service, BGB, Police and RHD managed to restart road communication
by removing fallen trees. Almost all the affected families received cooked food twice a
day from the Government Administration. Dry food distribution among affected people was
arranged by UP chairman, public representatives and other organizations.
b. Response by the Government:
The Government of Bangladesh, along all its allied agencies, promptly responded to this tornado
and came forward with all available supports. All these responses can be categorized accordingly:
i. Highest concerned personnel, including Honorable Prime Minister of the country, visited
the affected areas.
ii. Immediate response was provided to rescue operation.
iii. First-Aid and necessary treatment were provided to all injured people
iv. Ready-made food were supplied to the victims
v. Government allocated relief to the affected families
Table 4.6: Necessary Supports and Allocation to the Tornado Victim families
CI Cash for Uten- Old

GR
GR Cash Sheets House Sharee Lungi Tents sils Cloths
District Rice
(BDT) (Bun- Const. (No) (No) (No) (Fami- (Fami-
(MT)
dle) (BDT) lies) lies)
Brahman-
261.58 2577500 2858 7446000 500 500 852 300* 1000**
baria
* Chamber of Commerce distributed utensils among 300 families.

**Other organizations distributed old cloths among 1000 families.
Honorable Prime Minister and Minister of Disaster Management and Relief visited the affected
are on March 25, 2013 and provided necessary instructions to district administration and other
concerned authorities to overcome the situation. DDM sent 5 officers from adjacent Upazilas
to make list of affected people and supervise the distribution of relief materials. In addition,
801 families were provided with Tent for temporary shelter. Later, ultra poor families had been
identified on priority basis to receive brick built 2 rooms . DDM constructed the houses under
Bangladesh Climate Change Trust Fund (revenue budget). Honorable Prime Minister distributed
cash relief among the victim families. The local people were assured of support from the
Government by the Honorable Prime Minister. She also assured the students to replace their
lost books and other educational materials shortly.

Picture: Honorable Prime Minister’s Visit to the Affected Area
Department of Disaster Management (DDM) of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief
allocated 453 tents and sent it on March 23, 2013; the tents were erected with the help of
Bangladesh Army. 1,200 bundle of G.I Sheets (500 from DDM and 700 from Dutch Bangla
Bank Ltd) were also sent to distribute. Moreover, District administration mobilized another 180
bundles of C.I sheets from its previous stock. Tk.15,00,000.00 (fifteen lac) was also allocated
for 500 bundles to distributeTk.3,000.00/bundle among C.I sheet receivers to build their houses.
200 tons of GR Rice were distributed among the victim families at the rate of 30.0 Kgs per family.
Allotment of Tk. 25, 60,000.00 (Twenty Five Lac Sixty Thousand) were also made to distributed
at the rate of Tk. 20,000.00 for families of each dead people and Tk.5000.00 for the injured.
Furthermore, 123.2 tons GR Rice were distributed among 1,273 families at the 30 Kgs per family.
In addition, Brahmanbaria District Primary Education Office distributed 1180 set of primary book
(Class I-V) and 615 set of secondary school book (Class VI-X). Police department distributed
a package of 3 kg Rice, 1 kg Dal and 1 kg Potato among 650 families. Public health Directorate
repaired 200 tube-wells and installed 20 new tube-wells. REB repaired 12 km of electric line.
LGED installed tube well to restore water system.
c. Response by other Organizations:
i. Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS)
Immediately after the disaster, BDRCS deployed its National Disaster Response Team (NDRT)
to assess the damage. BDRCS and International Federation of Red Cross and Red
Crescent Societies (IFRC) jointly dispatched relief (1 tarpaulin, 2 water jerry cans and 1 family
kit for each family) for 600 affected families for immediate distribution. A medical team was also
sent to Brahmanbaria to help the injured, while 70 unit volunteers were provided first aid in the
Brahmanbaria Sadar hospital.

Table-4.7: Shows the Supports Provided by BDRCS and IFRC
Name of Upazila Name of Union Name of Villages No of Families Item per family
Oshiura 40 Tarpaulin 1 pc,
Sultanpu
Fatirhata 60 water jerry
Fulbaria 150 cane 2 pc and
Brahmanbaria
Machihata family kit 1 pc
Sadar Chinaay 150 for each family as
Dubla 200 a package
Bashudeb
Jarultola
Total 600
Source: BDRCS
ii. Others:
World Food Programmed(WFP) allocated 12.33 MT of fortified biscuits to 1644 affected

households. Each household was provided with 7.5 kg of fortified biscuits. Nova Pharmaceuticals
provided 565 packets medicine to the Civil Surgeon for treatment of injured people. Society
for Social and Technological group distributed a package of 10kg rice, 2ltr soybean oil, 1kg
sugar, 1 kg dal, 1 kg flatten rice, 18pcs CI sheet for each among 100 families. BRAC distributed
package of 15kg rice, 1ltr soybean oil, 1kg salt, 1 kg dal and 2 kg potato for each of the 1200
families. BGFCL distributed BDT 5000 to each of the 32 HSC Candidates. Trust Bank
allocated Tk. 5, 00,000.00 for the victims. Ashuganj Power Station (APSCL) also allocated
Tk.5, 00,000.00. Ayesha Memorial Hospital provided emergency medical support to the victims.
d. Response to Medical Supports:
A number of medical teams were deployed in the field to help the victims. Injured people were
immediately admitted to Brahmanbaria General Hospital and other hospitals/clinics.
However, 15 seriously injured persons were sent to Comilla Cantonment and some others were
sent to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for further treatment.
Medical teams were formed including members from Office of the Director General of Health
Services, Dhaka, Civil Surgeon office, Comilla Civil Surgeon office, Narsingdi and Comilla
Medical College Hospital, Comilla. Two medical teams from Comilla Cantonment were mobilized
for rendering medical services; 2000 patients were treated through this initiative.
Moreover, a Medical team by Gonoshasthaya Kendra also treated 11,93l patients. Medical team
of Border Guard Bangladesh and Japan Bangladesh Friendship Hospital, Dhaka were also
serving the victims.

CHAPTER 5 : BUILDING COLLASPE
5.1. Introduction
Incident of building collapse has increased significantly in the recent years. It is not only the old
building which are vulnerable to any kind of shocks such as earthquake, but also many new
or under construction building are even falling. This is mostly due to faulty structure and non-
compliance of existing building rules of the country; many of the high-rise buildings are built
higher than the approvals limit and with more than approved number of floors. In newly filled low-
lying areas, building are being constructed without any protective engineering measures and,
thus, many of these faces sudden structural failure with loss of life and properties.
5.2. Building Collapse in 2013
Beside the collapse of Rana Plaza, there were six more incidents of building collapse in 2013.
1 died and 3 were injured in the collapse of a Pavilion in the Dhaka International Export Fair. In
Chittagong, the balcony of first floor of a three-storied building collapsed; 54 families of 4th class
employees of Chittagong Medical college lived there.
The balcony fell down when some masons were working to put pillars under it. Family members
living in the buildings stated that although they informed the concerned authorities about the
shabby conditions, no step were taken in this regard. A 270 year old temple at Chansrain Jessore
Sadar Upazila collapsed suddenly.1 person who lived in a katch house adjacent to the temple
died in the incident. 1under construction four-storied building collapsed at Ray Saheb Bazar in
old Dhaka. The owner of the building did not have any approved design and did not follow the
building rules.
5.3: Collapse of Rana Plaza: Tragedy of the Garment Workers
On April 24, 2013, more than 1135 people died in one of the world’s worst tragic industrial
accidents. The collapse of Rana Plaza, an nine storied multiplex housing clothing factories,
a bank, and shops came under catastrophic disaster without any notice. There were five garment
factories (New Wave Button, New Wave Styles, Ethar Tex, Phantom Apparels and Phantom
Tex) with around 5,000 garment workers. It was estimated that by the Bangladesh Garment
Manufacturers and Exporters Association that 3,122 workers were inside the building at the time
of the collapse.
The workers of the garment factories noticed that cracks had developed on some pillars and in
few floors of the building after a jolt just a day prior to the accident. This caused panic among the
garment workers. Next day, ignoring the advice given by a team of industrial police to suspend
operation and keep the building closed, the authority forced the worker to come to work. This
made the high death toll in the history of industrial accident in Bangladesh.
The building was constructed with sub-standard materials on an unsuitable land. Poor quality
construction materials were used during construction and a portion of the building was also
constructed on land which used be a water body that was later filled with rubbish. The building
had no RAJUK approval and supervision during its intermittent construction to raise further floors
was virtually absent. Savar Municipality permitted the owner to construct a six floored building,

Map-5.1: Building Collapes Areas with dates

which the owner violated by building eighth and ninth floor. Moreover, the building had faulty
engineering structure like undersized column of 10” x 12”; such undersized columns in such
a commercial-cum-factory building with heavy equipment are a complete violation of building
rules. Within the building, the garments factories had to operate thousands of sewing machines
and a generator in the upper factory floor. The vibration of the generator together with thousands
of sewing machines and undersized structural columns threatened the building’s integrity, which
eventually led to the collapse of the structure.
Table-5.1: Losses due to Collapse of Rana Plaza
Type of Loss and Damage No of People

Rescued Alive 2438
Death Bodies Rescued 1130
Rescued Alive but Died at Hospital 12
Total Death 1127
Dead Dody Handed Over 836
Unidentified Dead Bodies Buried by Anjuman 289
Mufidul Islam
Dead Body Kept at DMC Morgue 2
Total Rescued 3553
Source: FSCD, GoB
The Rana Plaza disaster prompted the government to introduce some reforms. Some international
retailers also proposed an accord to improve safety conditions in Bangladesh. After the incident,
a 400-page report was submitted to the government making several recommendations.The
authorities said that 1,135 people died and about 2,500 people were injured in the Accident;
of them, 2,437 people were rescued. On May10, 2013,17 days after the collapse, a woman
was rescued alive from the rubble. It was a glimmer of hope for rescue workers after weeks of
hauling bodies out of the ruins, but the authorities called off the rescue just three days later. Just
a day before the collapse, the building was briefly evacuated when cracks appeared in the walls.
However, workers were later allowed back in /ordered by the factory owners to get back to work.
5.4: Rescue Operation
Immediately after accident, the local people started the rescue operation on their own. Such
operation was later aided and led by Bangladesh Army in association with Navy, Fire Service,
BGB and Police. Different volunteer teams also took part in the rescue activities. The police and
RAB maintained the law and order situation.
One of the important aspect of the rescue operation is the stimulus participation of volunteers
of different age and groups. A total of nearly 1000 volunteer from Dhaka, Keraniganj and
Narayanganj area (trained by Fire Service and Civil Defense.under Ministry of Disaster
Management and Relief) were working in the rescue operation.To purchase rescue equipment
instantly, MoDMR has given BDT 5, 00,000.00 to Fire Service and Civil Defense.

Affected People
Figure 5.1: Responsibilities of Volunteers
Responsibilities Performed by the Volunteers
80%
70%
60%
50%
Parcent
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
er
tc ns
er to
er
at
re so
cu d
ov
gW
es Foo
he
St Per
es c
s
di Re
s kin
rR g
e ed
Bo nd
he din
m in
nc nd
ad h a
cti Dr
Ot vi
by
la ou
o
Vi /
De arc
Pr
d od
bu W
Se
pe Fo
Am ing
ap g
to rry
Tr lyin
Ca
to pp
Su
Volunteers
Table 5.2:Responsibilities of the Volunteers
Responsibilities of Volunteers Percentage

Rescuing Live Victims 67%
Supply Equipment 44%
Lowest Temparature Trend
Search and Recover Dead Bodies 38%
10
Mob Control
9
35%
Carrying Wounded
8 Persons to Ambulance by
27%
Stretcher
Temparature
7
Assisting 6Senior Volunteers 17%
Supplying5Food / Drinking Water to Trapped
13%
Victims 4
Providing3Food to Other Rescuers 8%
Others 2 19%
1 Source: CDMP Report
0
Among many other organizations and volunteers taking part in the rescue operation, the main
shouldering of the task was given on Maj. Gen. Chowdhury Hasan Sarwardy, GOC of the Ninth
13
3
01
01
01
01
01
01
01
01
01
Infantry Division of Bangladesh Army to coordinate the operation. A strategy was formed to
20
,2
,2
,2
,2
,2
,2
,2
,2
,2
9,
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
rescue the trapped people safely from the building. Therefore, the operation progressed slowly
y
ar
y
ar
ar
ar
ar
ar
ar
ar
ar
ar
nu
and rescuers supplied food, water and oxygen to the trapped victims. In addition, individuals and
nu
nu
nu
nu
nu
nu
nu
nu
nu
Ja
Ja
Ja
Ja
Ja
Ja
Ja
Ja
Ja
Ja
different organizations were providing dry food, water, medicine, cash money, juice, cloths, torch
light etc. Month
Reshma, a garment worker, was found alive under
the debris of Rana Plaza at 3:30 pm, May 10, on the
17th day of the building collapse, almost 408 hours
into the rescue operation. Reshma was trapped in
the basement of Rana Plaza. She did not have any
significant injuries.
Clearing the debris with heavy equipment had

reached the basement level when a rescuer heard
the voice of a woman in the rubble and all operation
with heavy equipment stopped. Reshma was given
food and water and pulled out within 15 minutes. She
was rushed to the nearby Combined Military Hospital
for evaluation and treatment. She later told a TV Source: CDMP Report 20
channel from her hospital bed that she never dreamt
she would see daylight again.
While the volunteers were busy to rescue the wounded people under the debris of the building,
the doctors and interns in nearby hospitals worked round the clock to treat the wounded. Blood
donation camps were set up for the thousands of donors on site and all over the city. The injured
were instantly taken to the nearby Enam Medical College Hospital and subsequently in many
other hospitals in Savar and Dhaka city for accommodation and better treatment. Dead bodies
were kept at nearby Adhar and College field.
. Table 5.3: Treatment Information of Injured People (Source: Health Dept.)
Hospital/Clinic Admitted Released Referred

Enam Medical College Hospital 554 1000 1
CMH, Savar 163 402 40
(NITOR), Dhaka 156 0 2
SavarUpazila Health Complex 70 35 59
Dhaka Medical College Hospital 68 0 11
Super Clinic 55 55 0
C.R.P, Savar 42 0 0
Sima General Hospital 25 130 0
Lake Zone Hospital - 2 21 17 0
Prime Hospital 19 25 0
Lake Zone Hospital - 1 16 54 0
Apollo Hospital 16 0 0
Rezia Clinic 14 38 0
CMH, Dhaka 13 0 1
SahidSuhrawardi Medical College Hospital, Dhaka 11 0 1
National Kidney Disease Institute and Hospital, Dhaka 11 0 4
GonoSwasthaKendro Hospital 10 0 0

Hospital/Clinic Admitted Released Referred
Rabeya Hospital 5 6 0
Dip Clinic 5 38 0
Savar General Hospital 3 30 0
Prince Hospital 3 15 0
Polash Clinic 3 0 0
National Chest Disease Hospital 3 0 1
Wander Hospital 2 1 0
Square Hospital 2 0 0
National Institute of Cardio Vascular Disease 1 0 1
Al-Madina Hospital 0 3 0
New Dip Clinic 0 36 0
Total 1291 1885 121
Source: DMIC, MoDM&R
5.5: Relief Activities
Government approved BDT 20000.00 for family of each deceased person. Total of BDT
98, 00,000.00 was distributed to 490 families. BDT 5000.00was allocated for each injured
person; BDT 47,15,000.00 was distributed among 943 injured persons. BDT 4,00,00,000.00
had been allocated from MoDMR to DDM. DDM had allotted BDT 3, 00, 00,000.00 to District
Administration for distribution.
5.6: Case Study
Case Study
Community Volunteers respond to the building collapse in Savar
They call it a ‘pancake collapse’ when a building’s walls crumble, pillars weaken and the floors
vertically slam down on one another. That was exactly what the Khilgaon Fire Station Community
Volunteers saw when they arrived at the spot in two pickups arranged by the fire station on the
morning following the day of the incident.
The volunteers started picking up pieces of concrete, glass and other debris on the ground to
clear the access road through the building. Mohammed Golam Murtaza Sayham, a 16-year old
volunteer, rushed to nearby small shops, followed by another young volunteer to help two fire
men keep the crowd from taking away packaged dry food and drinks lined along the shelves,
as he learned during the Community Volunteer training on Collapse structure search, rescue,
fire fighting and first aid in September 2011.The Bangladesh Fire Services and Civil Deference
organized the training on search and rescue with a special focus on building collapse. Others
cleared up the road and after finishing the job in two hours, went straight to the Incident Post
to report their presence and move towards the inside of the premises where the FSCD were
leading the first phase of rescue operations.

Volunteers were standing in lines near the holes outside premises of the building, passing
pieces of bricks, slabs and other debris
to clear the way for other rescuers.
They did what they were trained to
do. Volunteers were working in pairs
and when handling drill machines, one
would hold the drill and another would
support from behind, taking turns every
15 minutes.
20-year old Mohammed Zakir Hossain

Gazi, a temporary employee at the
Dhaka City Corporation, went down
into the holes several times to help the
search for victims still alive in the voids
between the floors. He would call out to
survivors and listen closely for any sounds. His brother, 23-year old Mohammed Julhash Alam,
carried out four bodies of victims on his back. Julhash says: “We were trained on how to care for
victims. How to hold them.How to identify where they might be hurt.”
In addition to pulling out bodies from the collapsed

building, the volunteers were providing immediate support
to people still alive. Sultanara Begum Shilpi, a 50-year
old volunteer, who provided support to victims pulled out
of the rubble, said: “I had scissors with me which I used
to cut the side of the victims’ clothes that were too tight.
They were tired and needed to breathe easily. Cutting the
clothes helped.”
To date, the Fire Service and Civil Defense under the

Ministry of Home Affairs have 10,000 trained volunteers
in Dhaka alone, out of a target of 62,000 urban residents
trained on ‘Collapsed Structure Search and Rescue’ to
act as an auxiliary force for the Fire Services. Under
DIPECHO VI Action Plan in South Asia, which is the
European Commission Humanitarian Office programme
on disaster preparedness and disaster risk reduction,
the NARRI Consortium has supported the training of 850
volunteers through 24 training sessions at fire stations
located in the urban city areas of Dhaka and Sylhet.
Approximately 1,000 volunteers were present over 12 days of the entire rescue operation. At a
time around 250 volunteers formed part of rescue teams working in two shifts around the clock.
40-year old Umme Kulsum Shetu who works as a ward superintendent at a private hospital said:
“We had no time for rest. Our shift was from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. more or less. We only stopped
for lunch and went home at night to sleep. We didn’t want to stop working or go home at night.
Three tents were set up so that rescuers could rest and reenergize. The fire station arranged two
pickups for volunteers in the city to come to the site. They were responsible in picking me in the
morning and dropping me my home at night.”

The camaraderie between the Fire Services and their volunteers has warmed up even more
since the Savar building collapse. Abdul Momen, Assistant Director at the Training Division said:
“The numbers of volunteers there-trained and not trained-were unprecedented. Many called to
enquire how they could contribute to the rescue. I am very happy with the Community Volunteers.
I have seen them perform exactly what they learnt in trainings.”
The Community Volunteers trained in different batches under the Khilgaon Fire Station have
grown to be a family with people from diverse backgrounds and varying age groups. It is the
shared attitude of volunteerism and doing something for the community that connects the
volunteers, who regularly respond to calls from the fire stations.
Occasional visits to the fire stations on invitation of the officers and yearly jamborees build up
the friendships between volunteers and fire stations. These also give everyone an opportunity
to practice all what they have learned. Julhash proudly claims: “I could use what I learnt after
the training. If anything like the Savar building collapse happens again, I will know what to do”.

CHAPTER 6 : COLDResponsibilities
WAVES Performed by the Volunteers
6.1. Introduction
80%
70%
As a 60%
tropical country, Bangladesh has a moderate winter with an average winter temperature
of 10 50%
degree Celsius. However, in recent years, the country has been experiencing extreme
Parcent
weather
40%with a number of cold waves during the winter. This extreme weather condition adversely
30%
affects the agricultural sectors, all corners of environment, natural resources and society. The
20% in 2002 affected 50,000 people and killed 700 people, being the second highest
cold wave
record10%
of the world of that year. For the last few years, the country had experienced some severe
0%
cold waves that killed many lives and caused serious damage. In January 2010, the country
experienced a rapid fall in temperature with cold winds, resulting significant rise in respiratory
er
tc ns
er to
er
illnesses and, in some cases, deaths. Similarly, in January 2011, the cold wave claimed 39 lives,
at
re so
cu d
ov
gW
es Foo
he
St Per
most victims being children and the elderly.
es c
s
di Re
s kin
rR g
e ed
Bo nd
he din
m in
nc nd
ad h a
cti Dr
Ot ovi
6.2: Cold wave in 2013
by
la ou
Vi /
De arc
Pr
d od
bu W
Se
pe Fo
Am ing
The cold of wave of 2013 is actually the continuation of the prolonged cold wave of December
ap g
to rry
Tr yin
Ca
2012. The cold wave had stricken the northern districts of Bangladesh since mid-December.
l
to pp
Su
During the first week of January 2013, the cold situation was in worst condition affecting more than
20 districts notably the districts of Panchagarh, Thakurgaon, Dinajpur, Nilphamary, Lalmonirhat,
Rangpur, Kurigram, Gaibandha, Bogra, Joypurhat,VolunteersNaogaon, Nawabganj, Rajshahi, Natore,
Sirajganj, Pabna, Mymensing in the north, Moulvibazar in the east and certain districts in the
south, namely Kushtia, Jessore, Faridpur and Madaripur.
Figure 6.1: Lowest Temperature Records 2013
Lowest Temparature Trend
10
9
8
Temparature
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
13
13
01
01
01
01
01
01
01
01
20
20
,2
,2
,2
,2
,2
,2
,2
,2
9,
,
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
y
ar
y
ar
ar
ar
ar
ar
ar
ar
ar
ar
nu
nu
nu
nu
nu
nu
nu
nu
nu
nu
Ja
Ja
Ja
Ja
Ja
Ja
Ja
Ja
Ja
Ja
Month

As per the reports received from various sources, more than 50 % of the populations in those
districts were affected and 80 people died, many of them were children. (AFP, Jan 10, 2013). The
number of pneumonia and diarrheal patients, mostly older population and children, continued to
increase due to the sweeping bone-chilling cold wave. The extreme cold and the lack of sunlight
also affected the natural growth of crops, including Boro (winter rice variety) seedlings. Because
of this cold wave, the livelihood and works of wage earners, daily laborers(i.e. rickshaw/van
pullers) and farmers were affected the most.
Map-6.1: Cold wave Areas

During the cold wave of 2013, that struck the northern districts, the temperature of Dinajpur drop
down to 3.2 degrees Celsius on January 9th, while in Dhaka, the temperature went down to 7.2
degrees Celsius. Bangladesh normally sees temperatures fall to around 10 degrees Celsius at
this time of year. On January 10, 2013, the minimum temperature recorded at in Saidpur was 3
degrees Celsius, which is the lowest in Bangladesh’s post-independence history. Historically, the
lowest temperature was recorded in Bangladesh was in Srimangal and Moulvibazaar, and the
temperature was 2.8 degree Celsius on 4 February 1968 .
6.3. Response:
The Department of Disaster Management (DDM), Ministry of Disaster Management & Relief
and the Prime Minister’s Office along with UNDP, national and international NGOs, Red Cross/
Red Crescent, and Dutch-Bangla Bank came forward with humanitarian aid to support the
victims. Those organizations distributed over 644,000 blankets to reduce the sufferings of cold
wave victims. In addition, BDT 51 million was allocated from the Government to the districts for
blankets. Responding to the formal request from the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief,
UNDP launched the cold wave response with the distribution of 58,700 blankets to the most
vulnerable households in the cold affected districts. Bangladesh Scouts, the largest volunteer
network in Bangladesh, distributed the blankets among the affected poor families in Panchagarh,
Thakurgoan, Nilphamari, Kurigram, Lalamonirhat, Natore, Pabna, Gaibandha, Rangpur, Bogra,
Joypurhat, Jessore, Sirajgonj, and Jamalpur districts.
Table 6.1: Division Wise Blanket Distribution
Shawl and Money Dis-

Blanket Distribution
tribution
Division Government UNDP Others/ NGO Total Shawl Money
Dhaka 97053 5000 31468 133521 5400 13188221
Chittagong 41309 0 300 41609 0 7336162
Rajshahi 67895 26000 24920 118815 13300 7502200
Barishal 26032 0 84 26116 3300 4204294
Khulna 48461 5000 11025 64486 900 6256873
Sylhet 23386 0 1630 25016 0 2922671
Rangpur 109472 22700 190156 322328 0 8060697
Total 413608 58700 259583 731891 22900 49471118
Source: Situation Report, 18-010-2013, DMIC
Table 6.2: GoB Money Allocation to City Corporations for Blanket
Allocated Money
Sl. City Corporation Sl. City Corporation Allocated Money (BDT)
(BDT)
01 Dhaka North 1,95,000.00 06 Barisal 1,70,000.00
02 Dhaka South 1,95,000.00 07 Rangpur 1,80,000.00
03 Chittagong 1,90,000.00 08 Narayanganj 1,50,000.00
04 Rajshahi 1,85,000.00 09 Comilla 1,20,000.00
05 Khulna 1,80,000.00
Total: 15,65,000.00
Source: Situation Report, 18-010-2013, DMIC

CHAPTER 7 : RIVER BANK EROSION
7.1: Introduction
In Bangladesh, erosion is a regular and recurring phenomenon. Erosion of land surfaces,

riverbanks and coastal areas is already causing serious problems for the country. Among all
types of land erosion, riverbank erosion is a serious threat for Bangladesh. It is a process largely
controlled by the river dynamics. The disruption in the life of many local communities is cruel yet
common due to riverbank erosion and the changing course of rivers. During floods, riverbank
erosion becomes very acute and leads to loss of valuable lands. Equally, the coastal erosion is
a concern for the nation. High monsoon wind, waves, currents, strong tidal actions and storm
surges can be accounted for erosion in the coastal regions of Bangladesh.
7.2: River Bank Erosion in Bangladesh: Historical Perspectives
The Ganges–Brahmaputra-Meghna catchment covers about 1.65 million square km of which only
7.5 percent lies within the border of Bangladesh. There are about 310 rivers in Bangladesh. All
these rivers not only carries vast quantities of water, but also about 2.4 billion tons of sediment.
The sediment is being transported annually and responsible for the prevalence of flooding and
riverbank erosion in Bangladesh. The rivers of the country are so unstable that they may shift
laterally by more than 300 meters in any season. Among these rivers, erosion takes place in
2400 km bank lines of which 500 km have severe erosion.
River erosion is a serious natural disaster for Bangladesh. It takes place during monsoon river
spill and erodes the bank line during the retreating stage of flood. Rivers in Bangladesh migrate
60m to 1600/yr annually in Bangladesh by accretion and mostly by erosion.Out of 489 upazilas
of Bangladesh, 94 are subject to erosion of which 35 are severely affected. 5% of the national
territory is directly affected by erosion.Some important eroded places are Sirajgong, Aricha,
Mawa, Chandpur and Rangpur.
Riverbank erosion has become a common phenomenon not only along with the major and minor
rivers of mainland due to flat deltaictopography, but also along the coastal belt due to marine
dynamics. River bank erosion has been forcing people to migrate to new place, particularly to
urban centers including Dhaka city and such displacement exacerbates the socio-economic
conditions, both in the village and cities.
Major causes of riverbank erosion in Bangladesh are heavy siltation in the south-western part
and formation of new char-lands that diverts the flows to another direction. It has also been
accelerated due to deforestation along with the major river system that exposes the soil of
riverside to displacement.

Map-71: Location of River bank Erosion in Bangladesh

7.3: River bank Erosion in 2013
In Kurigram district, flood and riverbank erosion had been identified in the low laying areas of 13
unions of river side upazilas. 12,780 families had been affected due to flood and 2,193 families
had been affected due to riverbank erosion. About 100 families were displaced due to massive
erosion by Brahmaputra river at Rajibput of Kurigram district. A housing project of Tk 50 million
had gone under water due to massive erosion in this district. At Chilmari upazila of Kurigram
district, 77 houses disappeared in 72 hours due to excessive flow of the Brahmaputra. Due to
Dutkum arriver, 1.5 km road of Kaligonj union had been eroded. Families were displaced due to
erosion by Bangali river in Dhanut upazila of Bogra district.
In Mymensingh district, 300 families were displaced due to erosion of Bharmaputra river. At
Bhuapur of Tangail district, due to eastward migration of Jamuna river, erosions were noticed
about 15 km area along the riverside. 11 km embankment and road were lost in to the Jamuna
river. At Mirzapur upazila,the district buildings of Baratanagar High School was lost into the
Lohogong/Lauhajong river. Chauhali Upazila Porisad Bhaban of Sirajgonj district was lost into
the Jamuna river. At Sirajganj hard point, 100 meter blocks of town protection embankment
was washed away into the Jamuna river. At Daulatpur upazila of Manikganj, 200 families were
dislocated only in 3 days due to erosion by the Jamuna river.
Surma. Kushiyara and Sonairiver eroded crops and lands of 175 villages at Biyani Bazar. Feni
river eroded 100 settlement of 15 villages of Kompaniganj of Noakhali district. At Chadpur, 150
feet embankment of Water Development Board under sadar upazila was damaged; in line with
this, few cracks were also identified in Harina Ferighat. Because of sudden landfall, hundreds
of acres of land were displace at Kishorgang of Sonargoan upazila; illegal sand mining from the
riverbed was one of the major reasons for this. At Mawa Ferry ghat, jetty No-3 was relocated due
to erosion and 1 mosque, along with many houses, disappeared. 300 families were displaced
in Sibchar and Madripur upazila. In Rajbari district, 3000 families of 13 villages at Goalando
upazila lost their land and properties due to erosion of the River Padma. At Pangsha, upazila of
the district houses of 1500 families were lost into the Padma River.
About 1000 houses and 1500 hectors of agricultural lands were lost into the river Padma at
Daulatpur upazila of Kushtia district. At Iswardi of Pabna district,10 km road was eroded by the
Padma River. In Jhinaidah, 2km flood protection embankment disappeared into the river only in
15 days. In Dumuria upazila of Khulna district, two important roads were eroded due to migration
of river course. In Koira upazila, many victim families had to relocate due to riverbank erosion.
Due to illegal sand mining from Kittankhola river, a bridge at Barisal is under risk. In Jhalokati
district, people of 9 villages of Rajapur lost their livelihood due to massive erosion of Bishkhali
river. (DMIC Sept )

Figure 7.1: Month Wise Erosion in Different Upazilas-2013
District Upazila Name June July August September October

Name
Bogra Shariakandi
Chittagong Fatikchhari
Fulchhari
Gaibandha Saghatta
Sundarganj
Jamalpur Islampur
Jhalokati Rajapur
Jhenaidah Shailkupa
Khulna Koyra
Kurigram Nageshwari
Mymensingh Mymensingh Sadar
Pabna Ishwardi
Pirojpur Kawkhali
Goalandaghat
Rajbari
Pangsha
Sirajganj Chauhali
Tangail Mirzapur
Figure 7.2: Upazila Wise Number of Affected Area-2013
Upazila wise Number of Affected Villages
30
Number of Affected Villages
25
20
15
10
Villages

In 2013, 118 villages of 17 upazila in 14 districts were affected by riverbank erosion; excessive
flow of the river can be accounted for this. However, the illegal mining from the river beds also
accelerated the erosion in many other cases; among the affected upazilas, the highest numbers
of villages were affected in Nagaswri upazila of Kurigram district.
7.4: Loss and Damage
Due to paucity of reliable data, the estimation of loss and damage of river erosion in the year
of 2013 (table 7.1) has been prepared based on secondary sources such as newspaper and
published documents.
Table 7.2: Loss and Damages - 2013
District Household Lost Land Lost (Hector) Road Damage (km)

Kurigram 7230 - 1.5
Mymensingh 300 15 11
Sirajgong - - 0.1
Manikgonj 200 - -
Noakhili 100 - -
Chandpur - - 0.15
Sylhet 175 - -
Madaripur 300 - -
Rajbari 4500 - -
Kustia 1000 1500 -
Pabna - - 10
Total 13805 1515 22.75
Source: Annual Loss and Damage Report, Association of Land Reform and Development
Among the districts, Kurigram was the most worst affected district with an estimation of about
2370 affected families. However, in Rajbbari and Kustial district, the number of affected families
were quite high, estimated to be about 4500 and 1000 respectively. In 2013, about 2200 hectors
of farmland, 338 hectors of settlement land and about 23 km of roads and embankment was
eroded by different rivers.

CHAPTER 8 : FIRE
8.1. Introduction
From the inception of human society, the role of fire is very significant. As a source of energy,
fire has various uses in our everyday life from cooking to industrial activities. Fire is, as we know,
an important tool to human existence. However, if this fire becomes unmanageable, it turns into
a hazard and causes human suffering including death tolls. Urban areas are more vulnerable
to fire hazards because of involvement of huge population in economic, industrial and other
activities. Urban fire incident is increasing alarmingly in recent years. Due to rapid urbanization
and the absence of adequate safety measures in the city system, large cities of Bangladesh are
facing fire as a serious hazard.
Major causes of fire are electric short circuit, explosion of gas cylinder, kitchen’s fire, chemical
inflammable substances, mosquito coil, candle or small oil lamp and cigarette.
8.2: Fire in 2013
Fire is one of the most important manmade disasters in Bangladesh. Every year fire accidents
claims many lives and injure people. It is a major cause of huge damage and losses to properties.
Data from Civil Defense source (Fire Brigade) shows that in 2013, there were a total of 8,068
fire incidents throughout the country with a loss of TK 296.4 crore (Table 8.1). Most of the fire
incidents occurred in Dhaka and Chittagong cities. Data of FSCD that the number of death due
to fire hazard was 65 and 191 people were injured in 2013. Total loss from fire hazard in 2013
was about BDT 29.64 crores.
Table:-8.1: Fire Incident in 2013
Fire of
Fire on
Amount of Multi
Division Number of Fire Garments Died Injured
Loss (Tk) Stored
Industries
Building
Dhaka 2334 1753377000 86 56 34 52
Chittagong 1925 404080000 3 5 13 77
Rajshahi 1735 111849000 0 0 12 7
Khulna 1041 317356750 2 0 5 25
Sylhet 264 123161000 1 0 0 4
Barishal 317 134863608 0 0 1 20
Rangpur 452 119833200 6 0 0 6
Total 8068 2964520558 98 61 65 191
Source: Fire Service and Civil Defense, GoB

Map 8-1: Distribution of fire Incident-2013

Month
Figure 8-1: Month-Wise Fire Hazard-2013
Month wise Fire Occurrence
12
Number of Occurrence
10
National Dhaka Chittagong Others
8.3: Fire in Garment Industries
Among all categories of fire, fire in garments industries the noticeable and frequent. In 2013,
there were at least 25 incidents of industrial fire, mostly in Gazipur and Ashulia. The schematic
description shows that on January 23, 2013, seven workers were killed and 15 others were
injured in a fire accident at a Smart Export Garment Ltd. located at Mohammedpur Beribadh. At
least 100 garment workers, mostly women, were injured in a stampede triggered by a fire scare
over a false fire alarm at Envoy Garments Ltd., at Ashulia on February 2 ,2013. On February
6, 2013, a worker was killed and two others were critically injured when a boiler exploded at a
garment factory in the Comilla Export Processing Zone. Seven people were killed in a fire that
swept through a sweater factory in the Kushtia District on May 8, 2013. At least 20 workers
were injured in a stampede during a fire that broke out in an apparel factory at Narasinghapur
of Ashuliaon May 23, 2013. At least 14 workers were injured when they ran down the stairs
to escape a fire in the sewing section of the garment factory on June 1, 2013 in Nasirabad,
Chittagong. At least 10 people were injured trying to escape a fire at a readymade garment
(RMG) factory in Savar outside Dhaka on August 11, 2013. 10 people were killed and 50 others
were injured in a fire occurrence at Gazipur on October 8, 2013. The fire originated around 6 p.m
and the blaze spread to a nearby chemical store and engulfed two floors, after which a boiler on
the ground floor exploded further feeding the flames. International media often gets cover news
on fire in garments industries in Bangladesh. An example of News published in the Gurdians, 13
December 2013 shown below.

Guardians: 13 December, 2013
Bangladesh factory fires: fashion industry’s latest crisis
Nearly 800 people have been injured in scores of largely unreported fires in garment and
textile factories in Bangladesh the last 12 months, according to new figures compiled by
international labour campaigners.
The high numbers of casualties will raise concerns at the slow pace of change in the
politically unstable south Asian state, where more than 1,130 people died when a building
housing factories making garments for chains including Primark and Matalan collapsed in
April. The tragedy was the worst industrial accident anywhere in the world for a generation.
But activists in Bangladesh say fires pose as serious a threat as poor building construction.
Five months before the April collapse, 144 people had died in a fire in a factory making cloths
sold by global retailers such as Walmart, Sears and C&A among others.
Last month,10 dies in a textile mill blaze here are an estimated 5,000 garment factories in
Bangladesh, of which around two thirds are active. …….
… On November 25, at least 15 people were injured in a stampede as panicked workers

rushed to exit when a fire broke out at a factory outside Dhaka belonging to the Mondol
Group, which deals with western brands. ….
… Over the last 20 years of exponential growth of the garment factory, monitoring mechanisms
were not able to catch up to speed, ” said Srinivas Reddy, country director of the International
Labour Organisation. …
…A third initiative, involving the government of Bangladesh and the ILO, aims to fill the
gaps between the two industry initiatives with a new inspection regime run by government
engineers and technicians. The scale of the problem means reforms are bound to be slow,
Reddy, the ILO chief, believes. “It is not going to change overnight,” he said.

Table 8-2: Fire in Garments Industries-2013
No of
Month Location Death Injury Damage
factory
Chittagong Export
0 35
Processing Zone (CEPZ)
BSCIC Industrial Estate,
0 50
5 Fatullah, Narayanganj
January
Gazipur District 0 0
Mohammedpur, Beribadh 7 15
PurbaNarshinghapur, Ashulia 0 0
Narayanganj 0 0
Destroyed a large
amount of raw cot-
Beron, Ashulia 0 156
ton and damaged
machinery.
Kanchpur industrial area 0 0
Kabirpur, Ashulia 0 0
Comilla Export Proc. Zone 1 2
February 9
Tk 15 million (1.50
Surichala, Gazipur 0 0
crore)
The fire destroyed
Baroipara, Gazipur District 0 0 goods worth around
Tk 2 million,
Ashulia 0 0
Beximco Industrial Park,
Gazipur District
Chittagong Export
March 1 0 5 2.70 lakh Taka
Chittagong Export
April 1 0 0
Rajendrapur, Gazipur 0 3
May 3 Mirpur, Kushtia District 7 5
0 At least 20
Nasirabad, Chittagong 0 14
Gazirchat, Ashulia 0 10
June 4 Dhaka (DakkhinKamalapur) 0 0
The fire burned 1.5
0 0 lakh pairs of finished
shoes
July 1 Gazipur District 0 0
August 1 Savar 0 0
Septem- Dhaka (Nandipara, Ma-
1 0 3
ber dartek)
October 1 Gazipur District 10 50
Source: Fire Service and Civil Defense, GoB

CHAPTER 9 : EARTHQUAKES AND TSUNAMI
9.1. Introduction
Bangladesh, due to its location near to tectonically active plate boundaries, has long been one
of the seismically active regions of the world. The country has experienced numerous large
earthquakes during the past 200 years. Based on the available information, a seismic zoning map
of Bangladesh was proposed in 1979 by Geological Survey of Bangladesh (GSB). Compared
to many other seismically active nations, Bangladesh is more vulnerable to earthquake disaster
due to its socio-cultural causes rather than geological cause. The infrastructures of the country,
particularly in the urban areas, are not constructed considering earthquake hazard. Moreover,
our social awareness is on earthquake disaster is very poor.
9.2: Earthquakes in Bangladesh: Historical Context
The north and northeastern parts of Bangladesh are the most active seismic zonesand had
experienced earthquakes of moderate to high intensity in the past. The great earthquake of 1897
had its epicenter in the Shillong Plateau of India and caused widespread damage in adjacent
areas of what was then known as Bengal. Two other major earthquakes that caused severe
damage in areas adjacent to the epicenters were in 1885, known as the Bengal Earthquake and
in Srimangal in 1918. In addition, major earthquakes occurred in Bangladesh and surrounding
areas in the years 1833, 1897, 1906, 1918, 1923, 1926, 1927, 1930, 1934, 1939, 1941, 1943,
1947, 1950, 1951, 1954, 1957, 1962, 1965, and 1988 (Karmakar, 1989). Earthquakes with
magnitudes between 7.0 and 8.7 on the Richter scale has been experienced in this country, but
they are rare events.
Bangladesh is surrounded by the regions of high seismicity which includes the Himalayan Arc
and Shilong Plateau in the north, the Burmese Arc, ArakanYoma anticlinorium in the east and
complex Naga-Disang-Jaflong thrust zones in the northeast. It is also the site of the Dauki Fault
system along with numerous subsurface active faults and a flexure zone called Hinge Zone.
These weak regions are believed to provide the necessary zones for movements within the
basin area. In the tectonic map of Bangladesh, the distribution of epicenters are found to be
associated along the Dauki Fault system and random in other regions of Bangladesh.
The investigation of the map demonstrates that the epicenters are lying in the weak zones
comprising surface or subsurface faults. Most of the events are of moderate rank (magnitude
4-6) and lie at a shallow depth, which suggests that the recent movements occurred in the
sediments overlying the basement rocks.
During the last 300 years, seven major earthquakes (with>7) have affected
Bangladesh. Out of the ten major earthquakes, only two (1885, 1918 and 1997) had their
epicenters within Bangladesh border.

Map 9-1: Earthquake Zone
Table 9-1: Major Earthquakes in Bangladesh
Date Name of Earthquake Magnitude Road Damage (km)

2 April, 1762 Arakan Earthquake 8.8 1.5
10 January, 1869 Cachar Earthquake 7.5 11
14 July, 1885 Bengal Earthquake 7.0 0.1
12 June, 1897 Great Indian Earthquake 8.7 -
8 July, 1918 Srimangal Earthquake 7.3 -
2 July, 1930 Dhubri Earthquake 7.1 0.15
15 January, 1934 Bihar-Nepal Earthquake 7.0 -
15 August, 1950 Assam Earthquake 8.5 -
21 November, 1997 Chittagong Earthquake 6.1 -
18 September,
Sikkim Earthquake 6.9 -
2011
- - 10
Total 13805 1515 22.75
Source: Bangladesh Meteorological Department

9.3: Earthquake in 2013
Villages
BMD has recorded 16 earthquake tremors in 2013 with a magnitude ranging from 3.3 to 5.9 RS
in and around Bangladesh border areas. There were two incidents of magnitude higher than
5, but no noticeable damages were observed. 5earthquakes had magnitude above 4 RS. The
earthquake of January 9, 2013 had a magnitude of 5.9.RS and was felt throughout the country.
The epicenter was 495km away from Dhaka city, located near Bangladesh-Myanmar boarder
area. There were no reports of any casualties or damages.
Figure 9-1: Monthwise Earthquakes: 2013
Earthquake Frequency
4.5
3.5
3
Frequency
2.5
1.5
0.5
Month
Earthquakes are endogenic in origin and independent of seasonality. However, the graph shows
that highest frequency of was recorded in June, followed by January and December. The Map
shows that most of the epicenters were located in the eastern border area with India and closed
to Comilla city.
Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable countries of the world to earthquake hazard; it is not only
Month wise Fire Occurrence
due to its geographical location closer to the sesmically active Indian-Burmies plate boundaries,
but also 12
for its poor infrastructure and complex social conditions. In Bangladesh, cities are more
vulnerable than the rular area due to poulation concentration and unplanned growth of the cities.
Number of Occurrence
10geographical orientation, Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet, Mymensingh, Rangpur, Commilla

Due to its
and north-eastern
8 extended areas are under great threat to earthquake hazard.
0
Table 9.2: : Locations of Earthquake-2013Map
Date Name of Location Magnitude

01/03/13 Monipur Union, India 4.30
01/09/13 India Mayanmar Border 5.90
01/15/13 Myanmar 4.50
02/19/13 Dinajpur Border 4.50
02/27/13 Assam, India 3.80
03/02/13 Sylhet Border 5.40
06/01/13 South 24 Parganah 3.60
06/03/13 Bangladesh India Border 3.30
06/18/13 Tripura Border 3.50
06/20/13 Fulpur, Mymensingh Region 3.90
07/08/13 Brahmanbaria Border 4.40
08/11/13 Sylhet Region 3.50
09/04/13 India Bangladesh Border 3.40
12/07/13 Tripura Comilla Region 3.60
12/17/13 Bangladesh India Border 3.60
12/17/13 Tripura Comilla Region 4.20
Source: Bangladesh Meteorological Department
9.4: Tsunami in 2013
Tsunami is an earthquake generated wave that affects the coastal areas of any country. The low-
lying coastal belt of Bangladesh is highly vulnerable to tsunami surge. However, in 2013, there
was an incident of tsunami warning or tsunami effects along the coastal belt of Bangladesh.

CHAPTER 10 : CONCLUSION
Like many other earlier years, Bangladesh have faced a number of disasters in 2013. However,
among those, three events were catastrophic in nature. The landfall of Mahasen on May 16,
2013 hit 8 coastal districts, but it was possible to keep loss and damages in a minimal level
due to prompt responses and effective and collaborative initiatives by concern organizations
and stakeholders. The Tornado that hit Brahmanbaria district was also handled very efficiently
by the DDM. The incident of Rana Plaza was a challenge to combat because Bangladesh did
not previous experiences of handling such a catastrophic building failure not and did not have
appropriate and adequate technology. However, the voluntarism to rescue the victims has given
Bangladesh another successful legendary of coping and fighting with the disaster. Bangladesh
is now a role model to manage disaster of any scale efficiently and effectively, be it natural or
manmade.
The overall economy of Bangladesh is tremendously impacted by natural disasters. Apart

from short-term consequence, the long-term impacts of those disasters are quite high. All the
planning efforts for development by Government are disrupted by these calamities that leave
behind damaged infrastructure facilities, physical assets and land. The human suffering goes
beyond description. However, the impact and suffering due to natural and manmade disaster not
only depends on their nature, type and scale of it, but also how different government and non-
government organizations response to that disaster. Institutional strength ,technological know-
how and access to those technology play a significant role to successful disaster management.
For example, in 1991 and 1997, cyclones were of the same magnitude; but in 1991 cyclone,
approximately 138,882 people died compared to death toll in 1997 which numbered to134.
It was possible due to improved forecasting system, adequate warning dissemination, social
mobilization, proper coordination by the government and other institutional backup.
SOD is an important device aimed to inform the concerned persons understand their duties and
responsibilities regarding disaster management at all levels and accomplish them accordingly.
In 2012, the Government has adopted the Disaster Management Act2012 and, in accordance
with the Act, the Department of Disaster Management (DDM) was established in 2012. DDM,
since its formation, has been working to reduce the vulnerabilities due to different disaster
by undertaking risk reduction initiatives and coordinating disaster risk reduction program
undertaken by various government and non-government organizations. DDM is the focal point
of the Government of Bangladesh for disaster management. Besides, Bangladesh Space and
Remote Sensing Organization (SPARRSO) is also responsible for providing satellite images,
particularly as an aid to make the daily weather forecast. The example set by Bangladesh in
disaster management during the last two decades has provided the country a status of role
model of disaster management, particularly in areas of cyclones and flood management,to
global communities. The role of the government and non-governmental organizations during the
pre and post disaster periods helped reduce number of deaths and damage; furthermore, the
relentless efforts and initiatives put forward by these organizations has been appreciated and
recognized worldwide.

CHAPTER 11 : REFERENCES
Table
Source Full Reference
Number
Annul Flood Report 2013, Flood Forecasting and Warning Center (FFWC) Bangladesh Water
2.1 BWDB 2013
Development Board
Annul Flood Report 2013 Flood Forecasting and Warning Center (FFWC) Bangladesh Water
2.2 BWDB 2013
Development Board
Annul Flood Report 2013 Flood Forecasting and Warning Center (FFWC) Bangladesh Water
2.3 BWDB 2013
Development Board
2.4 NIRAPOD, 2013 Situation Report 17 July 2013, Nirapod
Nizamuddin, K. 2001, Disaster In Bangladesh: Selected Reading, DRTMC; National Plan for
Disaster Management, Disaster Management Bauer (DMB), 2010 and www.wikipedia.org
Nizamuddin, 2001, DMB 2010 *National Plan for Disaster Management, 2010-15, Disaster Management Bureau (DMB), Minis-
3.1
and Wikipedia try of Food and Disaster Management, April 2010. Page 8
** Assessment Stockholders Role in Preparation for and Facing the Tropical Storm Mahasen,
Comprehensive Disaster Management Programme (CDMP II)
3.2 DMIC 2013 Situation Report, 17 May 2013, Disaster Management Information Center (DMIC)
Report on Cyclone Shelter Information for Management of Tsunami and Cyclone Preparedness,
3.4 CDMP 2009
Ministry of Food and Disaster Management
4.1 CDMP 2013 The Aftermath of Tornado in Brahmanbaria: Brief Assessment Report
4.2 DMIC 2013 Situation Report, 02 April 2013, Disaster Management Information Center (DMIC)
4.3 DMIC 2013 Situation Report, 23 March 2013, Disaster Management Information Center (DMIC)
Search and Rescue Role of Fire Service and Civil Defense and Urban community Volunteers in
CDMP 2013 Rana Plaza: A Rapid Assessment;
5.1
and DMIC 2013 and Situation Report on Building Collapses in Saver Dhaka 14 May 2013 DMIC
Search and Rescue Role of Fire Service and Civil Defense and Urban community Volunteers in
5.2 CDMP 2013
Rana Plaza: A Rapid Assessment.
6.1 DMIC 2013 Situation Report, 18 October 2013, Disaster Management Information Center (DMIC)
6.2 DMIC 2013 Situation Report,18 October 2013, Disaster Management Information Center (DMIC)
7.1 Newspapers Cutting ProthomAlo, Juganter, Ittafaq, KalerKantho, New Age, Daily Star.
8.1 Fire Bridged 2014 Record Book, 1 January 2014, Fire Bridged, Dhaka.
ProthomAlo, Juganter, Ittafaq, KalerKantho, New Age, Daily Star;
Newspaper Cutting;
8.2 and Solidarity Center Dhaka office,2013 Garments Factory Fire Incidents Since Tazneen Fashion
and Solidarity Center 2013
Factory Fire.
Md. Hossain Ali and J. Reze Chaudhary; Assessment of Seismic Hazard In Bangladesh; in Niza-
9.1 Ali and Choudhury 2001
muddin K. (ed) Disasters in Bangladesh: Selected Reading DRTMC
9.2 BMD 2013 Data Sheet 2013, Bangladesh Metrology Department
Sidr ws 260 km/hour 15 nov2007 death 5447 tid sur 5 m

Aila ws 120 25 may 2009 death 330 tid surge 3 m
Moha 110/ph 16 may 2013 death 24 tid 3-4 m

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Department of Disaster Management

Disaster Report 2013 1

First Published: October, 2014

Data Compilation, Drafting and Editing

Disaster Management Bhaban, 92-93 Mohakhali C/A, Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh

2 Disaster Report 2013

Mohammed Abdul Wazed

Disaster Report 2013 3

4 Disaster Report 2013

Chapter 3: Cyclone and Storm Surge

Disaster Report 2013 5

Chapter 5: Building Collapse

Chapter 6: Cold Wave

Chapter 7: River Bank Erosion

6 Disaster Report 2013

Chapter 9: Earthquake and Tsunami

Chapter 10: Other Disaster

Chapter 11: Conclusion

Disaster Report 2013 7

8 Disaster Report 2013

Disaster Report 2013 9

10 Disaster Report 2013

Flood is a recurring phenomenon in the country. Floodplains of the Brahmaputra-Jamuna, the

Disaster Report 2013 11

1.4: Structure of the Report

12 Disaster Report 2013

2.2: Flood in Bangladesh: Historical Perspectives

Table 2.1:Year-wise Flood Affected Area in Bangladesh

Flood Affected area Flood Affected area Flood Affected area

Disaster Report 2013 13

2.3. Flood in 2013

Brahmaputra South East Hill

14 Disaster Report 2013

Map-2.1: Flood Affected Area in 2013

Disaster Report 2013 15

No of Rivers No of Stations No of Staions Crossing Danger Level

Figure 2.2.: No of Day WL above the DL

Water Level Stations and Number of Days above Danger Level

Days above Danger Level

Affected Union Number

Month Rivers Stations River Basins

May Meghna Basin

Disaster Report 2013 17

2.4: Loss and Damages

18 Disaster Report 2013

Table 2.4: Loss and Damages Due to Flood of 2013

Affected Area Damage Scenario

Disaster Report 2013 19

20 Disaster Report 2013

Disaster Report 2013 21

3.2: Cyclone and Storm Surges in Bangladesh: Historical Perspectives

Table-3.1: Severe Cyclones Affecting Bangladesh since 1960

Max. Wind Speed Storm Surge

3.4. Super cyclone Mahasen: Formation and Landfall

Picture-1: The Track of the Cyclone “Mahasen”

Disaster Report 2013 23

3.5: Affected Areas

Table-3.2: Mahasen Affected Districts

24 Disaster Report 2013

Disaster Report 2013 25

Affected Union Number

3.6: Loss and damages