| 19 Sep 2025
Landfalling tropical cyclones significantly reduce Bangladesh's energy security
Abstract. Bangladesh's rapidly expanding, yet fragile, electricity grid is highly exposed to tropical cyclones. However, the operational impacts of these storms on the power system are not well quantified. Here, we combine daily metered electricity demand data for Bangladesh's nine power zones with meteorological and hazard datasets over the last decade. We find that landfalling tropical cyclones cause an average 20 % reduction in national electricity supply, with coastal zones disproportionately affected, experiencing drops of up to 38 %. Analysis of case studies shows that high winds, storm surge, and extreme precipitation are all key contributors to these outages. While Bangladesh imports power from neighbouring West Bengal (India) to strengthen security, we show that cyclone impacts are often correlated across both regions, limiting the reliability of this backup during major events. We highlight the need for continued investment in climate-resilient energy infrastructure in the region, as well as adaptation to such extremes, which are projected to become more severe with climate change.
Manuscript Title: Landfalling Tropical Cyclones Significantly Reduce Bangladesh’s Energy Security
Summary of the Manuscript
This manuscript examines the impact of landfalling tropical cyclones on Bangladesh’s energy security, using a combination of daily metered electricity demand data for Bangladesh’s nine power zones with meteorological and hazard datasets. The authors argue that landfalling tropical cyclones cause an average 20% reduction in national electricity supply, with coastal zones disproportion affected, experiencing drops of up to 38%. Finally, authors highlight the need for continued investment in climate-resilient energy infrastructure in the region, as well as adaptation to such extremes, which are projected to become more severe with climate change. The topic is timely, policy-relevant, and empirically important. The paper makes a valuable contribution to understanding the climate–energy nexus in a highly vulnerable country. It addresses a critical gap — the intersection of DRR and energy security — particularly within the West Bengal and Bangladesh context. However, the manuscript requires substantial clarification, data transparency, and necessary refinement to reach publishable standard. The argument is compelling, but methodological rigor and framing could be improved to meet international expectations.
Major comments
Minor Comments
Rationale:
The manuscript is promising but needs clearer methodological articulation, standardized definitions of energy security, and stronger quantitative validation. Addressing these issues will make the paper suitable for publication in this journal.