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Selected physical parameters as determinants of flood fatalities in Bangladesh, 1972–2013

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Abstract

Bangladesh is vulnerable to frequent and disruptive flooding, which adversely affects the country’s economy and society, and causes fatalities. Because of their recurrent nature and devastating impacts, floods have received significant attention from hazard researchers. However, on a national scale, few rigorous attempts have been made to identify what actually affects flood fatalities. Using a temporal approach, this paper examines the determinants of flood deaths in Bangladesh for the 1972–2013 period. Application of Poisson regression reveals that the extent of the area flooded, the number of people affected by the event, flood duration and frequency, and the interactions of these factors have a significant effect on flood deaths. The study findings may help future flood disaster management in Bangladesh.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geography, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA

    Bimal Kanti Paul

  2. Department of Statistics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA

    Sharif Mahmood

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  1. Bimal Kanti Paul
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  2. Sharif Mahmood
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Correspondence to Bimal Kanti Paul.

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Paul, B.K., Mahmood, S. Selected physical parameters as determinants of flood fatalities in Bangladesh, 1972–2013. Nat Hazards 83, 1703–1715 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11069-016-2384-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11069-016-2384-z

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