Cyclone vulnerability in ethnic minority: A case study among rakhain community of Bangladesh.

While disasters affect all members of society, studies show that racial and ethnic minorities evacuate at lower rates and are disproportionately affected by disasters. Despite the fact that Bangladesh is prone to cyclones, very few studies assess cyclone vulnerability. Assessing a household's vulnerability is seen as a critical step toward mitigating the negative consequences of disaster risks. This research was done among the Rakhains group in Bangladesh's Barguna District, an area prone to cyclones. This study aims to determine the vulnerability of Rakhain's households to cyclones. A door-to-door survey of 110 households was conducted in two Unions of Taltali Upazila, Barguna District. A total of 27 indicators were employed to assess their vulnerability. Results revealed that physical (0.52 ± 0.13) and composite vulnerability index (0.45 ± 0.12) were significantly higher in Sonakta Union than in Barabagi Union. Due to storm surges, they experienced inequality (57.27%) and extensive damage to houses and transportation facilities (63.64%). However, they had evacuation practices due to the cyclone emergency period. Most of them were satisfied (87.27%) with the transportation facility towards the cyclone shelter, whereas more than half were dissatisfied with the cyclone shelter's hygiene condition. National and international organizations should have a comprehensive disaster risk reduction strategy that includes everyone regardless of race, location, and ethnicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]