Bangladesh launches heat-resilient cyclone shelter
New climate-resilient shelter in southwest Bangladesh combines cyclone protection with heatwave relief as extreme temperatures intensify
DHAKA, Bangladesh (MNTV) — Bangladesh has begun building its first cyclone shelter designed not only for storms but also to protect communities during extreme heat, reflecting how climate risks in the country are rapidly expanding beyond cyclones and floods.
The pilot project, known as the Adaptation Fortress, is being developed at a school in the coastal southwest under the Jameel Observatory Climate Resilience Early Warning System Network, or CREWSnet — a collaboration between Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Community Jameel — in partnership with BRAC.
Located in Satkhira district, one of Bangladesh’s most climate-vulnerable regions, the upgraded shelter is designed to function as a safe, cooled refuge during heatwaves while continuing to serve its traditional role during cyclones.
The facility will use solar power with battery storage to run cooling systems even during power cuts, along with rainwater harvesting and shared energy access for nearby residents.
Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and severe in southwestern Bangladesh, compounding risks in an area already exposed to cyclones, flooding, and salinity intrusion. Schools, health services, and daily livelihoods are increasingly disrupted as temperatures rise.
CREWSnet researchers say the project marks a shift in how climate shelters are designed in South Asia. Bangladesh has long relied on an extensive network of cyclone shelters credited with saving millions of lives, but rising heat now poses a quieter and less visible threat, particularly to children, older people, and outdoor workers.
If the pilot proves effective, the initiative could scale up to more than 1,200 similar shelters across the region, potentially providing heatwave relief to around half a million people. A second pilot site has already been selected in neighboring Jashore district.
The shelter’s performance will be assessed using community feedback, energy-use data, and local weather monitoring to determine whether the model can be expanded nationally. Project partners say the goal is not only emergency protection but also long-term adaptation, turning existing public infrastructure into multipurpose climate resilience hubs.
Southwestern Bangladesh is home to more than 30 million people and has been repeatedly hit by powerful cyclones in recent years. With temperatures projected to rise further, planners say future disaster preparedness must address heat stress alongside storms — or risk leaving millions exposed to a growing climate threat.
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