The projects involved two different disaster-prone communities, each facing distinct disaster scenarios and employing different coping mechanisms. Shoronkhola, situated beside the Baleshwari River in the Bagerhat district, contends with tidal floods and storm surges. In contrast, Pekua, a village in the Cox's Bazar district, is susceptible to flash floods from the Matamohuri River.
Shoronkhola experiences floods almost every year between June and August, exacerbated by its location in a saline-prone area. The severity of the 2009 cyclonic storm "Aila" profoundly impacted the community, prompting a heightened awareness of storm signals and proactive measures to mitigate damage.
"The current and water level was so high that when my child of 3 years drifted away I couldn't realize." - Jahangir. Residents have since adopted various adaptation strategies, including utilizing boats for transportation during floods, constructing temporary shelters ("Tong Ghor") on embankments, maintaining access to ponds for drinking water, and employing raised house plinths. To combat salinity, they implement a vegetation technique called "Bosta Poddhoti," which involves growing plants on elevated platforms filled with soil from beneath ponds.
In contrast, Pekua faces flash floods that strike without warning, leaving residents with little time to prepare or safeguard their belongings.
"Within 10 mins we saw water comes down to our land and couldn't do anything, we left the domestic animals and houses as it is and leave with our families."- Shaheen Akhter.
Despite the absence of human casualties, the 2023 flash flood prompted community members to raise house plinths, construct brick and concrete houses, and elevate homesteads with soil and sand. While the floods bless their land with improved crop productivity due to "poli mati," they face continuous challenges in maintaining water quality and supply.
Shoronkhola endured the loss of lives and ongoing struggles with salinity, while Pekua suffered livestock loss and structural damage but benefitted from enhanced crop yields and access to clean water. Both communities prioritize local preparedness and response
