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ABSTRACT

This study aimed to analyze the magnitude of decadal cyclones during the last five decades (1970s-2010s) and their impacts, particularly on the human toll in Bangladesh. Mainly secondary data were used as the source of information. The decadal cyclones namely the cyclone Bhola (1970s), Urir Char (1980s), Gorky (1990s), Sidr (2000s), and Mahasen (2010s) were selected for study based on their magnitude and devastative nature. We analyzed the trends of human tolls and found that Bangladesh successfully reduced more than 99 percent of human tolls during cyclone Sidr in the 2000s compared to the cyclone Bhola in the 1970s which introduced the country as the role model of disaster management in the global perspective. The present study also revealed the key contributors to achieving such tremendous success in reducing human tolls within fifty years. Improved early warning systems including the activities of a cyclone preparedness programs, construction of cyclone shelter, and afforestation programs are identified as the success indicators of reducing fatalities in Bangladesh. The findings of this study can be used to formulate and modify existing disaster management plans and strategies for other disasters in the country as well as for other disasters in the world.

Keywords: cyclone, human toll, early warning, cyclone preparedness program, cyclone shelter