Assessing the Impact of flooding from 1994 to 2024 on Catchment Areas in South Eastern Part of Bangladesh Using Geospatial Techniques Inciting Knowledge from Recent Flood of August 2024

Flooding is a recurrent and significant natural disaster in Bangladesh, particularly affecting the Chattogram Division, which is vulnerable due to its geographical features and seasonal monsoon rainfall. This study assesses the impacts of flooding on catchment areas in the Chattogram Division from 1994 to 2024, utilizing advanced Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques and remote sensing data. The analysis reveals a troubling trend, with flood-affected areas increasing substantially from 40% in 1994 to 64% in 2024, driven by factors such as extreme rainfall, upstream water management from the Dumboor Dam, and changes in local land use due to urbanization and deforestation. While previous research has addressed the broader implications of flooding in South Asia, there remains a notable gap in localized studies that focus specifically on the dynamics of flooding in the Chattogram Division. By integrating rainfall data with satellite imagery, this study provides novel insights into the relationship between hydrological changes and flood risk, employing a linear regression model that demonstrates a strong correlation between rainfalls and flooding. The findings highlight significant socio-economic repercussions, including disruptions to agriculture, infrastructure, and livelihoods, particularly in vulnerable districts like Noakhali, Feni, and Comilla. This research underscores the urgent need for effective flood management strategies and contributes valuable information to inform future policies aimed at enhancing resilience in flood-prone areas.