Performance of Coastal Structures during Cyclone Sidr

Abstract

On November 15, 2007, Bangladesh was hit by the category 4 storm Severe Cyclonic Storm Sidr. At least 3,447 deaths were reported in coastal areas of Bangladesh, mainly owing to the storm surge, which was >5 m. A study team of several faculty members of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) was formed to visit areas affected by Sidr, two months after the storm. It was found that cyclone shelter capacities were inadequate for the population of the service area. Without shelters, many livestock animals died during the disaster. Many people neglected cyclone warnings, which resulted in many deaths. To improve cyclone shelter performance, this study makes many recommendations, including building more cyclone shelters, providing shelters for livestock, and improvement of warning systems.