The 2024 Bangladesh Flood: FORIN Analysis to Combat Future Flood Disasters
Khandaker Muntasir Hossain
Bangladesh is a flood-prone country. The country experiences frequent flooding due to its numerous rivers and geographical location, with the latest flood occurring in August 2024. This year’s flood was particularly devastating as it was primarily triggered by upstream water releases.
The flood inundated several districts in Bangladesh, particularly in the northeastern and southeastern regions. This disaster worsened due to rainfall in neighboring Indian states.
Flooding is a recurring disaster in Bangladesh. Recently, climate change has intensified the frequency and severity of floods. Despite undertaking preparedness, prevention, and mitigation measures, we still have to fight against nature every year. It’s important to adopt proactive risk management tools like the Forensic Investigations of Disasters (FORIN) methodology.
This forensic approach allows researchers and communities to better understand the underlying causes of disasters. It helps in preventing hazards from escalating into full-scale disasters.
The 2024 floods highlight the massive exposure of rural and low-lying areas. Substantial portions of farmland, livestock, and fisheries have been destroyed. This is why FORIN Analysis has become indispensable for Bangladesh.
The FORIN method is designed to understand the root causes of disasters. As a result, this may create an opportunity for Bangladesh to adopt a more preventive approach to flood risk reduction.
Unlike traditional post-disaster assessments, FORIN encourages in-depth analysis of factors contributing to disaster severity. This approach considers historical, social, economic, political, and environmental factors to understand how and why floods turn into disasters.
The initial step in FORIN involves comprehending the essence of disaster DNA. In the event of a flood in 2024, a FORIN analysis will be initiated to assess exposure factors.
Understanding why certain areas were more vulnerable to identify weaknesses in current flood management strategies. Increased flooding intensity must be considered in future planning.
The second step of the FORIN method allows for the assessment of future trends. Bangladesh is expected to face more intense floods due to climate change.
Analyzing the potential impact of climate change on flood risk will help policymakers mitigate future hazards. For example, areas currently at moderate risk of flooding may become high-risk areas in the future.
The final step in the forensic process is forensic education and action. These steps involve multiple stakeholders in co-creating actionable policies that reduce disaster risk. In the case of Bangladesh, this may involve implementing climate change adaptation plans to address future flood risks.
Implementation of the FORIN system will allow Bangladesh to transition from a reactive to a proactive disaster management system.
By understanding the drivers of flood risk, we can develop more effective disaster preparedness plans. Through FORIN, policymakers can support sustainable development, enhance climate change adaptation, improve flood resilience, and invest in green infrastructure like flood barriers.
The devastating floods of 2024 have clearly shown us the need to reassess Bangladesh’s disaster risk management strategies.
The FORIN method provides an invaluable tool for analyzing past events. This approach will help communities better prepare for climate change, ensuring a safe and sustainable future.
