A major climate threat is now knocking at Bangladesh’s door and this time, it looks more dangerous than ever before. A recent study published in the respected scientific journal One Earth has issued a startling warning: the kind of devastating cyclones that used to hit once in a century could now strike every decade. According to the report, the real danger doesn’t just lie in the cyclones themselves, but in the storm tide, a deadly combination of rising sea levels and massive waves triggered by the storms. This mix has the power to swallow entire villages and cities, leaving behind a trail of destruction.

The findings have raised serious concerns for Bangladesh’s caretaker government, especially for interim leader Mohammad Yunus, who is reportedly worried about the growing risks. The study warns that if things don’t change, nearly 8 million people could be exposed to such disasters in the near future.

What’s causing the danger?

The research was led by Sai Ravela and his team at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Ravela explains that while the number of storms may not increase dramatically, their intensity will, especially as sea levels continue to rise. That makes the resulting waves and flooding far more dangerous than ever before.

Using advanced climate models, the researchers simulated thousands of possible future cyclones near Bangladesh. The results were clear that if carbon emissions continue unchecked, the country could face extremely destructive storm surges every 10 years.

Therefore, Bangladesh may soon find itself on the frontline of the world’s next big climate crisis.