In a concerted effort to comprehend and address the inherent flood vulnerabilities within Sunamganj, the YouthMappers at SUST undertook a pivotal initiative titled “Geospatial Analysis of Sunamganj's Flood Vulnerabilities: OSM-Enhanced Exploration of the Haor Landscape.” Comprising 15 members, including 8 females and 7 males, the team embarked on a distinct objective: to fully engage with the core of the region, methodically gathering firsthand data to support a thorough disaster mapping effort.
Driven by a dedication to mutual cooperation and originality, the team embarked on an exploration of the Haor terrain, armed with state-of-the-art tools and applications specifically developed to enhance their ability to gather data. Throughout a dynamic two-day expedition, the team traversed the complex waterways and varied landscape of Sunamganj, employing various transportation methods, including boats, automobiles, and rickshaws, to reach crucial locations essential for a thorough study of the region's geography.
Within the field, the team devoted two complete days to the methodical gathering of data, with a specific emphasis on essential factors such as proximity to the river, altitude, and incline. These parameters were systematically assessed using sophisticated instruments, guaranteeing the development of a strong dataset that would be the foundation for well-informed decision-making.
After returning to the base, equipped with a substantial amount of information from the on-site investigation, the team proceeded to the next stage by using geospatial algorithms to understand the intricate nature of Sunamganj's susceptibility to flooding. The incorporation of technology with direct observations demonstrates the team's dedication to not only creating data but also formulating practical insights that can stimulate beneficial transformation.
Following the data-collection phase, geospatial methods were used to integrate seven essential factors: rainfall, land use and land cover change, Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), distance from the river, elevation, slope, and drainage density. This integration enabled the development of a risk distribution map for the Sunamganj District, providing a thorough description of the regions susceptible to flooding.
The Haor, a vast wetland system located in the northeastern part of Bangladesh, is of essential importance to the country's economy due to its abundant natural resources and biodiversity. Considering the region's vulnerability to sudden and intense floods, the study sought to make a valuable contribution to the field of flood mitigation planning. The paper examined the importance of mapping flood hazards to facilitate efficient land-use planning in areas susceptible to flooding. It produced charts and maps that assist administrators and planners in identifying areas at risk and effectively prioritizing efforts to mitigate and respond to floods.
The project integrated two categories of data: topographic data, which encompassed Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and satellite images, and yearly rainfall data obtained from meteorological databases. The slope map, essential for comprehending landscape stability, was generated using the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and slope generation functionalities in ArcGIS software. Furthermore, a continuous raster rainfall dataset was generated by interpolating rainfall data for five years (2018–2022) using Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW).
The analysis took into account the drainage density, which determines the soil and geotechnical characteristics, and identified regions prone to erosion and sedimentation. Reclassification of existing classes was undertaken to evaluate the impact of existing land-use and land-cover management on flood hazard mapping.
The successful implementation of this extensive disaster mapping initiative was made feasible by the generous support of AP Hub - Asia Pacific, highlighting the cooperative endeavors focused on promoting advancement and adaptability. Their assistance enabled the team to gain a more thorough understanding of the difficulties encountered by Sunamganj, with the ultimate objective of formulating measures to reduce the effects of floods on this susceptible terrain.
Within the complex realm of data analysis, the team's story gradually reveals itself—a story characterized by commitment, creativity, and cooperation. Driven by the backing of Open Mapping Hub - Asia Pacific, the "Geospatial Analysis of Sunamganj's Flood Vulnerabilities" project serves as a model of proactive involvement, demonstrating the capacity of utilizing technology to benefit communities dealing with environmental issues.
About the Author
Asif Bin Alam Seum is a Master's graduate in Geography and Environment from Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST), Sylhet. With a strong background in geospatial evaluation, environmental research, and policy advocacy, his work focuses on the intersection of sustainability and data-driven analysis. As a dedicated environmentalist, researcher, and former Chapter President, he brings expertise in mapping, environmental assessments, and the practical application of geospatial tools.
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