A study on the impact of the 2017 early monsoon flash flood: Potential measures to safeguard livelihoods from extreme climate events in the haor area of Bangladesh

The northeastern part of Bangladesh is characterized by a unique wetland ecosystem called haor, which experiences regular monsoon flooding starting from late May/June. But change in rainfall pattern over last few decades has resulted in increased risk of early monsoon flash floods like the flood of 2017, which wreaked havoc in the haor at the beginning of April. Through a cross sectional survey covering 1845 flood affected households, the present study aims at understanding this flood's effects on their livelihoods and recommending policies to safeguard livelihoods in the face of changing climate. Analysis of rainfall and river water level data revealed that heavy rainfall in the haor and adjacent Indian sub-catchments were the main reasons behind this unprecedented event. Loss of income because of this flood was common, but was more prevalent among the older respondents, people having lower educational attainment and persons dependent on natural resources-based occupations. Most of the people who were forced to switch occupations experienced reduction in average daily income, irrespective of whatever occupations they switched to. Food insecurity was common among all groups, but was predominant among fishermen and day labourers. Integrated measures including development of real-time early warning system, community-based early response, proper management of crop protection embankments and regular dredging of waterways are essential to reduce the vulnerability of the people to flood. Furthermore, rapid expansion of newly developed short duration rice varieties (e.g. BRRI dhan 81), employment of case seedlings/raised-bed seedlings in elevated lands to ensure high quality timely transplantation immediately after recession of stagnant water, introduction of other profitable crops, poultry and dairy farming (e.g. sheep farming), creation of skill-based alternative livelihood options to adapt the agriculture sector with the changing climate. An equitable investment by the government is crucial to foster the economic growth by ending poverty by 2030, and to secure decent income, better livelihood and food security of the haor inhabitants.