Assessing Coastal Hazards and Mitigation Strategies for Vulnerable Communities in India

Tropical cyclone-related losses are projected to increase globally due to climate change and socio-economic factors, with storm surges posing a significant threat to coastal regions. Enhanced preparedness among coastal populations is essential to reduce the impact of this trend. This study evaluates storm surge hazards and risks using a multi-attribute decision-making method and develops risk maps based on empirical data. The integration of hazard, vulnerability, and exposure indices highlights the eastern coast (Bay of Bengal) as the region with the highest present risk. Risk levels are comparatively lower along the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean coasts, but they still pose substantial threats, particularly in urbanized and low-lying areas. Additionally, by offering data-driven insights into risk management, the analysis facilitates the development of adaptable infrastructure and land-use planning for coastal resilience. Future research will focus on refining the hazard component to enhance the accuracy of risk assessments.