Coastal erosion risk assessment in the dynamic estuary: The Meghna estuary case of Bangladesh coast

Erosion is one of the predominant hazards in coastal Bangladesh. For implementing effective adaptation and mitigation strategies, assessment of risk to coastal erosion is crucial. This study aimed to assess the levels of risk to coastal erosion in the Meghna estuary, a major erosion-prone area in the coastal region of the country impacted by abrupt changes in hydrological and geomorphological conditions. Using physical, environmental, and socio-economic geospatial data, this is the first attempt in assessing erosion risk and characterizing three main risk components: hazard, vulnerability, and exposure at a regional extent in the estuary. A total of 19 indicators were considered, and statistical methods assisted with the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) were used for the construction of hazard, vulnerability, and…