Modeling Household Socio-Economic Vulnerability to Natural Disaster in Teesta Basin, Bangladesh

The Teesta basin of Bangladesh experiences natural disasters every year that bring huge agricultural production losses. This study has developed the socio-economic vulnerability index (SeVI) to quantify the vulnerability of people in the drought-prone areas in northern Bangladesh. A total of 134 respondents were interviewed from Gangachara and Kaunia Upazilas of Rangpur district. The study employed 36 indicators and IPCC dimensions for developing SeVI. Results show that Gangachara upazila is more vulnerable than Kaunia due to a limited number of resources with a lower capacity to counter climate stress. Ganachara upazila has higher exposure and sensitivity with lower adaptive capacity to climate change compared to Kaunia. Household dependent on agriculture is more vulnerable in both the Upazilas. Food crisis and health related problems are common issues after the occurrence of disasters. The disaster warning system is very poor in both the Upazilas which need to be developed. The study result indicates a realistic approach of SeVI needs to be adopted, which may be an effective tool for community development in the study area and also a guideline for further study.