Investigating the Consequences of Heatwaves on Social Groups and Coping Strategy in Dhaka City

This study investigates the economic and health effects of heatwaves in Dhaka City to understand how different social strata experience heatwaves. A mixed-methods strategy, involving quantitative and qualitative methods, was applied to accomplish the research goals. A semi-structured questionnaire survey was administered through face-to-face interviews with 100 respondents, until saturation point was reached. It was supplemented by three interviews for case studies and two Focus Group Discussion (5–6 participants each). Chi square tests and cross tabulations was done to find significance level among the data, which supported the qualitative outcome. The study finds that, economically marginalized group experiences more health and economic impacts of heatwaves. About half (54%) of the economically marginalized people (N=40) face reduced income, and 86.21% of them missed working days during heatwaves. Based on the financial impact metrics used in this study, there is negligible impact on high net-worth individual and 41% median income households (N=50) see income reduction. Economically marginalized people face more serious health impacts like dehydration, fever, irritability, asthma, heat exhaustion and rashes. They adopt various coping strategies to manage heat stress, such as drinking more water, taking frequent showers, using wet or soaked cloths, and spending time outside their overcrowded rooms. High net-worth people face irritability and heat exhaustion. Contextual analysis reveals that inequality in urban facilities (access to open spaces, water and electricity supply and public toilets) increase the vulnerability of economically marginalized residents in heatwaves. In order to improve the conditions, the study emphasizes community-based adaptation measures that consider vulnerabilities of different social classes to improve the situations.