CHALLENGES OF ACCESSIBILITY OF A DISASTER-PRONE ISLAND: EXPERIENCE OF HATIYA, BANGLADESH

Abstract

Accessibility of Hatiya, one of the most disaster-prone islands in Bangladesh, has many layers of challenges. Institutional arrangements guide the availability and quality of transports while islanders make travel decisions based on the geophysical character of the estuary and weather. These factors contribute to increasing disaster risks in transportation. The paper assesses accessibility using both primary and secondary data. Semi-structured interview responses helped in determining the Level of Services and Accessibility Indicators and generating Modal Suitability Matrix. Triangulating the findings with existing knowledge on geophysical dynamics and institutional arrangements illustrate, socially and politically constructed anthropogenic process to exacerbate risks arising from exposure to natural hazards in transportation. The supervision and monitoring of operation demand accountability and transparency. Thus, an integrated transport system can reduce disaster risks in the island's accessibility. The system needs to be culturally appropriate and use both technical and non-technical approaches.