Dhaka Flood Defense: Community-Led Adaptation

By Anika Rahman

1/31/2026

Climate Vulnerability Index (CVI): 85 (Very High Vulnerability)

Executive Summary:

Dhaka's 21 million residents face catastrophic flood risk from monsoon intensification and river overflow. Analysis shows 40% of city vulnerable to 2-meter flooding, requiring urgent infrastructure upgrades and early warning systems.

Key Findings:

Annual flood events increased from 2 to 7 per year since 2010

Low-lying slums house 4.5 million people with zero flood protection

Economic losses from 2025 floods exceeded $3.2 billion

Current drainage system only handles 45% of peak monsoon rainfall

Recommendations:

Construct elevated flood shelters in 50 vulnerable neighborhoods

Upgrade drainage capacity to handle 150mm/hour rainfall

Implement AI-powered flood prediction system with 48-hour lead time

Create community flood response teams with emergency supplies