ICT Uses, Constraints, and Challenges in Flash Flood Risk Management: A Case Study in North-Eastern Haor Areas of Bangladesh

Md. Anwarul Abedin, Gulsan Ara Parvin, Umma Habiba, Mohammad Golam Kibria, Reazul Ahsan, Kenichiro Onitsuka, Md. Munsur Rahman, Mohamed I. Kobeasy and Ahmed Gaber
Additional contact information
Md. Anwarul Abedin: Department of Soil Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh
Gulsan Ara Parvin: Rural Planning and Sustainable Rural Development Laboratory, Kyoto University, Kyoto 615-8530, Japan
Umma Habiba: Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Ministry of Agriculture, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
Mohammad Golam Kibria: Department of Soil Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh
Reazul Ahsan: Department of City and Metropolitan Planning, The University of Utah Asia Campus, Yeonsu-Gu, Incheon 21985, Korea
Kenichiro Onitsuka: Rural Planning and Sustainable Rural Development Laboratory, Kyoto University, Kyoto 615-8530, Japan
Md. Munsur Rahman: Institute of Water and Flood Management, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
Mohamed I. Kobeasy: Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
Ahmed Gaber: Department of Biology, College of Science, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 13, 1-12

Abstract: This study intends to explore the extent of the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in flash-flood-prone haor (wetland ecosystem) areas of north-eastern Bangladesh. Addressing the situation of severe flash floods in 2017 at the community level, this study aims to examine the constraints and challenges in using ICT for flash flood risk management. An empirical study was conducted in two upazilas (administrative sub-districts) within the Sunamganj, the most affected district. A total of 120 household heads were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Focused group discussions (FGD) and key informant interviews (KII) were also used. Results reveal that people in these areas do not use computers or Internet. However, the use of mobile phones is common for communication during disasters. Illiteracy, poor quality of life, poor social capital, poor infrastructure, and poor communication with institutions are highlighted as the main constraints and challenges in the effective application of ICT in flash flood management. The results showed that the local community people of the study area receive early warning and hazards preparedness-related information through mobile phones, television, radio, and Facebook. However, the results also highlighted the constraints and challenges in applying ICT in DRR at the community level. By addressing a remote region and a relatively less focused disaster (flash flood), this study contributes to boosting the application of ICT in DRR, especially in remote, disadvantaged communities.

Keywords: ICT; impacts of flash flood; haor; north-eastern Bangladesh (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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