Floods in a Megacity

Flooding is one of the most devastating natural hazards in the world. Available records suggest that both flood frequency and severity are on the rise which is likely to worsen in the context of climate change. As population, infrastructure and poverty grow rapidly in developing countries, particularly urban agglomerations of 10 million people or more, floods could cause widespread devastation, economic damage and loss of lives. Vulnerability and risk assessment of naturally occurring phenomena is therefore imperative in order to achieve urban sustainability. §This book used geospatial techniques to evaluate hazards, risk and vulnerability at a metropolitan scale in a data-scarce country. An empirical study was performed using remote sensing, GIS and census data. This empirical work offers a new approach to mapping population, infrastructures and communities at risk which can greatly contribute to the deeper understanding of flood disaster in a rapidly expanding megacity. Illustrations shown in this book are from Dhaka Megacity, however, the techniques and methods can easily be implemented in medium to large cities of similar characteristics. §The book is essential reading for hazard researchers, geospatial scientists, disaster management professionals, geography, urban planning, and social studies. §Ashraf M. Dewan is Lecturer in the Department of Spatial Sciences at Curtin University, Australia, and Associate Professor of Geography & Environment Department in the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.