On May 18, a meeting on “Local Level Trigger Threshold Validation for Landslides Anticipatory Action in Chattogram” was held at a restaurant in Chattogram city. The initiative was part of the “GFFO- Multi-Hazard Anticipatory Action Initiatives in Bangladesh” project, implemented by YPSA with technical assistance from RIMES, supported by Save the Children, and funded by German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO).
The validation was attended by Sheikh Mohammad Tauhidul Islam, Chief Executive Officer of Chattogram City Corporation, as the Chief Guest. Panel discussants included Professor Dr. Mohammad Mahbub Murshed, Chairman of the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at University of Chittagong; Dr. Md. Iqbal Sarwar; Professor Dr. Rashidul Hasan from the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET); Engineer Delwar Majumder, former president of the Chittagong Chapter of the Institute of Engineers, Bangladesh; and Ujjwal Kanti paul, a meteorologist. Palash Chowdhury, Director (Finance) of YPSA, was present as a special guest. Sanjida Akther, Project Manager of YPSA, delivered a welcome speech. The meeting was moderated by Morshed Hasan Molla, Manager (RESEARCH, M&E) YPSA, and Muhammad Ataul Hakim, Project Officer, YPSA.
Presentations on landslides in Chattogram, triggers, and thresholds were delivered by Professor Dr. Iqbal Sarwar, Ujjal Kanti Pal, and Jannatul Ferdous, a member of the research team. Representatives from various sectors, including Chattogram City Corporation, Department of Agricultural Extension, Water Development Board, Bangladesh Meteorological Department, Land Office, Department of Disaster Management, Fire Service, Disaster Management Committee, CPP, and Department of Livestock, were present at the meeting.
Additional notable attendees included Md. Tofayel Ahmed, Ward Secretary -7no West Solashahar; Taslim Uddin, 8 no Sulokbahar Ward Secretary; Mujibur Rahman, 14 no Lalkhan Bazar Ward Secretary; Rubel Das, 09 no Ward Secretary; and Syad Moinul Hosain Joi, CCC Slum Development Officer.
Discussions during the presentations and by the panel members highlighted that landslides are now a regular disaster in Chattogram, posing both severe environmental and humanitarian problems. In this context, determining trigger thresholds for early action plays a crucial role. The research indicated that rainfall of 100-120 mm in 24 hours should be considered a trigger, enabling early warning systems to rapidly assess risks, protect lives and property, and minimize overall damage.
The research incorporated scientific explanations for determining triggers and thresholds, including local climate change, past records of rainfall/landslides, and geo-physical characteristics such as soil type, slope, and vegetation cover.
A three-member research team from the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at University of Chittagong, led by Dr. Md. Iqbal Sarwar, determined the trigger thresholds based on data from the Meteorological Department, GIS/remote sensing data, satellite data, field consultation meetings, FGDs, KIIs, and various other sources.
Sheikh Mohammad Tauhidul Islam, Chief Executive Officer of Chattogram City Corporation, stated that this initiative will undoubtedly strengthen early warning systems for landslides. He emphasized that determining landslide trigger thresholds will provide an effective document for making informed decisions in preparedness and for saving lives and property. He stressed the importance of developing a realistic landslide forecasting system using technology and local experience. He further opined that the trigger-threshold validation process will play a crucial role in developing an anticipatory action plan/protocol.