Cyclone-induced coastal vulnerability, livelihood challenges and mitigation measures of Matla-Bidya interfluve area, Indian Sundarbans

Abstract Indian Sundarban delta (ISD) is highly susceptible to tropical cyclones and resultant impacts such as storm surge induced flood inundation, waterlogging, embankment breaching, coastal erosion, and saltwater intrusion. It affects life and livelihood in severe ways. Mitigation and policy measures are therefore very important, based on information gathered at the grassroots level. Hence, this study is designed to assess inter-village variation in cyclone vulnerability, taking into account physical vulnerability, social vulnerability, and mitigation capacity. This study also highlights livelihood challenges faced by coastal dwellers and suggests mitigation measures. Geospatial and quantitative methods were used to assess cyclone vulnerability in this study. Remote sensing data and climatic data from IMD (Indian Meteorological Department) were integrated to assess physical vulnerability. Moreover, socio-economic data collected from the Census of India was analyzed to determine social vulnerability. A field survey was also conducted during 2020–2021 to collect information on livelihood challenges and mitigation measures. According to the analysis, the southern and eastern parts of Matla-Bidya Interfluve (MBI) are extremely vulnerable due to their proximity to coastlines, low elevation, and high cyclonic activity over the years. Coastal villages in MBI are highly vulnerable to tropical cyclones due to their proximity to tidal creeks and socio-economic adversity. Nearly 46% of MBI villages are under extreme to high threat. Contrarily, the northern part of MBI is comparatively less vulnerable due to low potential impact and high resilience. Coastal low-lying villages are often hardest hit by tropical cyclones. Effective mitigation strategies and coping mechanisms can considerably reduce the adverse impact of cyclones.