Flood Disaster Impact and Adaptation

Abstract

This chapter examines the impact of climate change on the Marma Indigenous community in Bandarban, located in Bangladesh’s vulnerable southern region. The area faces significant threats from human-created environmental disasters, such as flash floods, droughts, and landslides, exacerbated by climate change. The August 2023 flood serves as a case study, highlighting the severe consequences for the Marma community, who rely on the region’s natural resources for their livelihood. Through stories from community elders and women, the chapter explores the causes of the flood, its impacts, and the coping mechanisms and adaptation strategies employed by the Marma community. The chapter concludes with a reflection on the challenges faced by the Indigenous community and recommendations for future resilience efforts.