Community perception, vulnerability, and coping strategies to cyclone-induced disasters: A case study of two coastal settlements in Ganjam district of Odisha, India

Abstract

The people of coastal Odisha have been constant victims of frequent natural hazards, such as floods and cyclones. The socio-economic condition and the coping strategies adopted by local communities define the degree of a place's vulnerability to a particular disaster. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to conduct a comparative analysis of two coastal settlements to identify the major factors of vulnerability and assess vulnerability levels across households. The study also emphasizes people’s perceptionsof natural disasters and their risks. It focuses on the role of local communities in mitigating the adverse effects of natural hazards, particularly floods and cyclones, by adopting various coping strategies. The present research is based on the collection of primary data from 400 households through an interview schedule survey, 12 key informant interviews, and 7 focus group discussions in two coastal settlements in the Ganjam district. The correlation coefficients derived from vulnerability indices for the components of exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity indicate that sensitivity and adaptive capacity are the primary determinants of vulnerability in both study sites. The key informants suggest that people should be provided with greater flexibility in their livelihoods and coping strategies by arranging alternative income sources. The most important coping strategy adopted by the local communities is the help and cooperation they receive from their neighbours, as well as the social linkages and bonds they share, which are crucial during rescue and evacuation processes. The local community's active participation in forming and implementing government policies will surely help build knowledge capacity to improve adaptation strategies for people in vulnerable communities.