Revealing the socio-economic vulnerability and multi-hazard risks at micro-administrative units in the coastal plains of Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

Tamil Nadu (TN)’s South-Eastern coastal plain comprises of 5235 villages/wards, is densely populated (∼2000/km2), and is highly vulnerable to multi-hazard events. Earlier vulnerability case studies carried out in TN utilized district as a unit of analysis, considering mostly the physical parameters. For the first time, the socio-economic vulnerability at the level of micro administrative units was analyzed for the entire stretch of the coastal plains of TN using ten census and household data-based indicators. All the indicators were used to determine the degree of vulnerability and summed up to determine the hot spots of socio-economic vulnerability. Public perception surveys carried out with 406 respondents from 363 villages were used to derive the likelihood-impact risk matrix. Results show that ∼60% of the villages between the coastal stretch of Nagapattinam and Puducherry, including major parts of Cuddalore district are highly vulnerable (hot spots) to multi-hazard risks. The information retrieved at micro administrative units can be used by policymakers and coastal managers to develop effective plans for improving the resilience and preparedness of the community.