Floods in Bangladesh: History, Dynamics and Rethinking the Role of the Himalayas

Hofer, Thomas; Messerli, Bruno

ISBN 10: 9280811215 / ISBN 13: 9789280811216

Published by United Nations University Press, 2007

About this Item

Mild wear to cover with a slightly bumped top right corner. Otherwise, clean and sound. 468 pgs. United Nations University Press. 2006.

Seller Inventory # 100floods

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Floods in Bangladesh: History, Dynamics and Rethinking the Role of the Himalayas
• Publisher: United Nations University Press
• Publication Date: 2007
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 9280811215
• ISBN 13: 9789280811216
• Binding: Soft cover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Condition: Good
• Dimensions: 1.07W x 6.25H x 9.32D inches 1.07 inches width by 6.25 inches height by 9.32 inches depth
• Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Seller catalogs:
  • Nature
  • Asian Studies
  • History

About this title

Synopsis

Deforestation and land use practices of Himalayan farmers are commonly blamed for the recurring, devastating monsoon floods in the plains of the Ganges and Brahmaputra. Floods in Bangladesh presents new evidence to disprove this long-held assertion. This book demonstrates that the hydro-meteorological processes in the Himalayas are not the main causes for the floods in Bangladesh. The combination of simultaneous discharge peaks of the big rivers, high runoff from the Meghalaya Hills, heavy rainfall, high groundwater tables, and spring tides creates particularly favorable conditions for large-scale flooding. Accordingly, the myth about deforestation creating big floods and the habit of blaming mountain dwellers for the flood catastrophes must be abandoned.

About the Author

Thomas Hofer is a mountain expert in the UN Food and Agriculture Organization in Rome. Bruno Messerli is professor emeritus and former director of the Institute of Geography and rector of the University of Bern, Switzerland.