Geo-Eye

Abstract

Climate change is intensifying disasters worldwide. The impact of a disaster is determined by the risk associated with a hazard and the varying levels of vulnerability of the community. Hence the need for effective disaster management is underscored in today’s scenario where disaster risk is being increased by climate change. The coastal communities in Kerala are exposed to disasters in various physical, social, political and economic contexts and are subjected to the losses and damage caused by coastal disasters like tsunami, cyclones, storm surges, swell waves, coastal flooding etc. To comprehensively assess their exposure levels and susceptibility to tsunami occurrences and related disasters, a systematic and multidisciplinary socioeconomic survey approach was adopted by at Eriyad Grama Panchayat in Thrissur district, Kerala, India. This survey on coastal communities highlighted the varying levels of exposure of hazards in the region. The devastating 2018 flood caused significant damage to the regions and also had an impact on the livelihoods of the people. The survey highlighted the need for strengthening community-based disaster management strategies, continuous training programs, and infrastructural improvements that are essential for further reducing disaster risks and ensuring long-term resilience in these vulnerable areas. It is very essential for the coastal people to understand how to protect themselves from these disasters and to recover from the effects. Enhancing disaster resilience through disaster risk reduction efforts is crucial for saving lives, protecting property and promoting sustainable development within the coastal community.

Keywords: Climate change, Coastal disasters, Disaster risk reduction, Community resilience