A Framework for Community-level Disaster Resilience Index: Focus on the Host Communities in Cox’s Bazar

The Community-Level Disaster Resilience Index for Cox's is an adaptation of the Climate Disaster Resilience Index (CDRI), which was introduced by the International Environment and Disaster Management (IEDM) Laboratory of Kyoto University Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies along with its partner organizations, including CITYNET and UNISDR in 2008 to measure disaster resilience of the coastal cities by considering five dimensions: physical, social, economic, institutional, and natural. Then, the variables selection was translated to the local setting, collecting matching variables/indicators and suitable alternatives where necessary.

This study shows various vulnerability types for each of the target communities/unions. Considering the overall resilience, Raja Palong union is comparatively higher than others, whereas Palongkhali union shows the lowest resilience score. Host communities in Ukhiya are concerned about increasing labor competition, deforestation, groundwater depletion, increase in price, and damages to their physical and natural resources. Both individual homes and community shelters are weak and in poor condition. These issues are linked to the region's poor land quality and high risk of natural disasters.