Livelihood pattern of flooded families in Bangladesh: A study in two villages

Abstract

Inundation of land by the rise and overflow of a body of water is Flood. Floods occur most commonly when water from heavy rainfall, from melting ice and snow, or from a combination of these exceeds the carrying capacity of the river system, lake, or the like into which it runs. Usually the combined flow of several water-swollen tributaries causes flooding along a river bank or shoreline. Accounts of floods that destroyed nearly all life are found in the mythology of many people’s. The climate of Bangladesh is tropical monsoon climate influenced by the Himalayan Mountains in the north and northeast, and the Bay of Bengal in the south. High monsoon rains associated with Bangladesh's unique geographical location in the eastern part of the delta of the world's second largest river basin make it extremely vulnerable to recurring floods. Agriculture is the dominant land use in the country covering about 59% of the land, rivers and other water bodies constitute about 9% (BBS, 2002). Monsoons with varying degrees of associated flooding are anticipate annual events in Bangladesh. There are five objectives in the study to find out the real cause of flood and try to overcome its losses. The general objective of the study is to know the livelihood pattern of flooded families in Bangladesh. Here I have studied on two villages named Rupchandrapur and Madon. 20% family heads was randomly selected from each village. For depth of the study and understanding the problems I have included here three case studies. I have collected data through interview and observation methods. The main occupation of the study area is agriculture. Male respondents are more concern than female. Here education rate is very poor. Only 40% people can sign. It has been seen that the average member of each family is four. They try to follow to maintain the birth control activities. There are about 74% people who are directly involved with agriculture. It has been found that the average range of salary is 13,000/- taka. In the study here I have used present data and past data in comparing their living place. The primary source for drinking water in study area is tube well. Among the respondents 50.5% have their own tube well while it was 62.05% before flood. There were no respondents who use pond, river or other sources of water except tube well for the drinking purpose. Among respondents of the study and 84% said that they preserved food before coming rainy day. Maximum respondents had said they have to face water problem. To overcome this situation they use water purifying tablet and boiling water while flood water flooded the village area. To identify the causes of flood 78.05% respondent of the study mentioned five points at a time. There are increasing rainfall, river over flow, unplanned damp, lacking of proper drainage system and decrease of river navigability. About 60% respondent mentioned three points that are suffered more during flood. These are children, domestic animal and older people. 85% respondent specified some points which are the impact of flood. These are drowning crops, spoiling crops, problem in preserving seeds etc. To know about their preparedness to develop present condition of life to a satisfying standard 70% respondent of the study mention make awareness. 70% respondent noticed government and NGOs to take more effective steps to make a good condition against flood. To create a better world for living we have to work for reducing the cause of natural disaster. Flood is like a curse for our country. We have to take proper action against flood.