Climate change, cyclone and rural communities: Understanding people's perceptions and adaptations in rural eastern India

Abstract

Tropical cyclones represent one of India's toughest natural threats. This paper lists the challenges and mitigation efforts to resolve significant disasters in the coastal areas of eastern India in particular. Humans must learn to counter and live with the effects of such natural disasters as they are unavoidable. The construction of natural hazard structures has always been supported by various national and international disaster mitigation organisations. New building design standards are proposed, as planning and growth to reduce the possibility of potential structural damage. Damage is caused to the roof, walls, openings, and foundation of a building due to the use of non-disaster proof construction practices. A brief introduction on the damaging effects of noteworthy cyclones is provided. It has been highlighted the increasing frequency of cyclones since the start of the 21st century due to climate change. A focus is maintained on the challenges faced by rural regions of India for the eastern coastline especially in the housing sector. Climate change and further cyclones have caused the loss of crops and thus livelihood, which is the main concern for the rural people. A section on the challenges to the housing reconstruction provisions for the rural community, as provided by the Government of India is depicted. Lastly, the paper provides various solutions for a cyclone-resistant structure and disaster prevention as per the challenges faced by the rural community.