Tropical Cyclones and Coastal Vulnerability: Assessment and Mitigation

Abstract

AbstractTropical cyclone (TC) landfalls are among the most damaging natural disasters. The North Indian Ocean (NIO) experiences ~12% of all cyclones every year. TC damage is primarily due to high wind gusts, rainfall, storm surges, waves and coastal flooding which pose serious risks to life, property and coastal ecosystems. Extreme wave activities, vegetation loss due to gale winds and saltwater intrusion during coastal inundation cause coastal erosion and turn agricultural land infertile over extended periods of time. The rate of TC devastation also depends on coastal Land Use and Land Cover (LULC: vegetation density, barren lands, agricultural fields, etc.). TCs in turn change the LULC and soil characteristics, thus modulating the land surface properties. The extent of physical and social vulnerability due to TCs are directly associated with population density, coastal infrastructure and TC frequency and intensity. Improved forecast and advanced preparedness are crucial to reduction in TC related fatalities with early risk assessment being key to disaster mitigation. The coastal vulnerability and impact of land-falling TCs in the NIO were analyzed. Assessment frameworks, observational tools and mitigation strategies were reviewed and critical factors for better disaster preparedness and mitigation of TC impacts in the coastal regions were identified.KeywordsTropical cyclonesCoastal vulnerabilityHazard assessmentNorth Indian OceanDisaster mitigationRemote sensing