Socioeconomic and Livelihood Impact of Flood by Major River of Jhenaidah District, Bangladesh

Abstract

Floods are among the most frequent and devastating natural disasters worldwide, significantly disrupting livelihoods, economies, and ecosystems. The socio-economic consequences are severe, especially for rural populations dependent on agriculture in Bangladesh. This study investigates the socio-economic impacts of flooding along the banks of the Gorai River in Jhenaidah District, Bangladesh, with emphasis on post-flood management, community resilience, and recovery mechanisms. Using a mixed-method approach, primary data were collected through household surveys, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. Results reveal that floods disproportionately affect agricultural productivity, livestock rearing, small businesses, and access to education and healthcare, with crop loss and financial damages being the most pronounced. Financial damages were considerable, with 48% of households reporting losses exceeding 50,000 BDT. The findings also highlight that flood preparedness measures are inadequate, early warning systems are weak, and recovery efforts are heavily reliant on government (52%) and NGO (33%) assistance, with limited community-driven initiatives. To minimize the river erosion, dual approach of river management need to implement focusing on both the physical infrastructure like use of Geo-bag, use of locally bamboo made Parko file, and community-led governance can reduce the river erosion. Permanent protection requires immediate action to halt illegal sand extraction, timely construction of robust embankments, geo-bags before the monsoon, and continuous river dredging to increase and maintain navigability. For the long term approach need to be aware of the local community for afforestation and construction authorities needs to be accountable and transparence for any construction work along the bank of the Gorai river. Despite significant short-term relief efforts, gaps remain in long-term resilience strategies, particularly in financial recovery, infrastructure rebuilding, and livelihood diversification. The study recommends strengthening localized flood preparedness, early warning systems, and community-based adaptation in enhancing resilience in the flood-prone regions of Jhenaidah district, Bangladesh.