Climate-Resilient Low-Cost Housing Solutions for Rural Bangladesh: A GIS-Based Assessment of Flood and Cyclone Risk

Abstract

The rural housing sector in Bangladesh is under threat of rising disasters of climatic nature especially floods and cyclones that are characterized by unequal distribution to the low-income earners. The paper considers climate resilient but affordable housing options by conducting a multi-hazard analysis of two extremely vulnerable districts Gaibandha and Patuakhali using GIS. Based on data of elevation derived by satellites, past records of floods and cyclones, land-use layers, and settlement features, hazard maps were created to measure spatial differences in risk. These datasets were integrated which made it possible to classify every district into low, medium, high, and very high risk areas. The findings indicate that unique patterns of hazards are evident since Gaibandha is highly flood-prone with almost three-quarters of the district lying in medium to high risk zones of floods; this is because of low elevation and closeness to major river systems. Comparatively, Patuakhali is characterized by high cyclone and storm surge vulnerability with nearly half its size being classified as high and very high risk due to its coastal location. Combining them means that more than 60 percent of the entire area of study is in the multi-hazard hotspots, which will necessitate the urgent implementation of location-specific resilience interventions. The proposed study is based on these findings and suggests customized housing strategies. The flood prone areas will need high plinths, stilted constructions as well as construction materials that could not be damaged by floodwater whereas cyclone prone areas would demand wind resistant constructions, aerodynamic roofs and stronger foundations. The paper suggests that GIS-based hazard zoning should be included in the national housing programs, the building codes in the districts should be updated, and the training at the community level should be improved to build low-cost resilient housing. In general, this study shows that climate-resilient housing design in rural Bangladesh can be guided by the GIS-based spatial analysis as it is an effective tool. The study can add contributions to practical construction recommendations, which can be used by policy makers, planners, and development practitioners in the quest to create safer and more sustainable rural settlements by connecting scientific hazard assessment and practical construction recommendations.