A GIS-based integrated study assessing the socio-physical vulnerability of the south-central and south-western coastal regions of Bangladesh

Bangladesh is considered one of the hotspots of numerous devastating natural hazards around the globe due to its geographical location as well as its dynamic characteristics of coastal landforms. The coast of Bangladesh is a suitable test-bed for evaluating coastal vulnerability under complex land use systems and climatic conditions. Considering both the social and physical parameters is crucial to understanding the vulnerability of a coastal region. Therefore, this study has attempted to assess an integrated coastal vulnerability index for the most dynamic and non-uniform south-central and south-western coastal districts of Bangladesh. Initially, the study utilized ten physical parameters, including elevation, slope, storm surge height, sea level rise rate, rainfall, wind speed, mean tide level, cyclone track intensity, soil salinity, and soil permeability, to calculate the physical vulnerability index. Additionally, four social variables such as population density, literacy rate, household structure, and land use land cover are considered to assess the social vulnerability index. The final step involved combining these results to formulate an integrated coastal vulnerability index using the square root of the product mean equation. The study revealed that a large portion of Patuakhali (52.7%) followed by Bhola (28.7%), Barguna (27.7%), Shariatpur (13.6%), Pirojpur (9.3%), and Jhalakati (3%) districts are very highly vulnerable while western regions like Satkhira, Khulna, Bagerhat, Jashore as well as Narail has been identified as very low to low vulnerable. We suggest that this approach can efficiently assess coastal vulnerability and contribute to the development of a comprehensive strategy for coastal conservation, management, and policymaking.