FLOODS IN BANGLADESH .1. GEOGRAPHICAL BACKGROUND TO THE 1987 AND 1988 FLOODS

The disastrous floods in Bangladesh in 1987 and 1988 captured world-wide attention. That country is particularly prone to natural disasters which constantly undermine government and international efforts to improve social and economic conditions. The floodplains which occupy 80 per cent of Bangladesh have diverse characteristics and are affected by flash floods, river floods and rainwater floods to different extents. In both years, breaching or cutting of embankments aggravated flooding. Despite considerable crop damage, there were compensatory increases in production in areas not affected by the floods and in the following dry season. -from Author