Multi-Criterion Analysis of Cyclone Risk along the Coast of Tamil Nadu, India—A Geospatial Approach

Abstract

A tropical cyclone is a significant natural phenomenon that results in substantial socio-economic and environmental damage. These catastrophes impact millions of people every year, with those who live close to coastal areas being particularly affected. With a few coastal cities with large population densities, Tamil Nadu’s coast is the third-most cyclone-prone state in India. This study involves the generation of a cyclone risk map by utilizing four distinct components: hazards, exposure, vulnerability, and mitigation. The study employed a Geographical Information System (GIS) and an Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) technique to compute an integrated risk index considering 16 spatial variables. The study was validated by the devastating cyclone GAJA in 2018. The resulting risk assessment shows the cyclone risk is higher in zones 1 and 2 in the study area and emphasizes the variations in mitigation impact on cyclone risk in zones 4 and 5. The risk maps demonstrate that low-lying areas near the coast, comprising about 3%, are perceived as having the adaptive capacity for disaster mitigation and are at heightened risk from cyclones regarding population and assets. The present study can offer valuable guidance for enhancing natural hazard preparedness and mitigation measures in the coastal region of Tamil Nadu.

Cyclone vulnerability assessment in the coastal districts of Bangladesh

“…Furthermore, it is possible to draw comparisons between our research findings and the experiences seen in neighboring nations situated in the Bay of Bengal region, namely India and Myanmar. These nations have comparable geographical and meteorological characteristics, and they similarly encounter issues associated with cyclones [ 16 , 19 ]. Through the process of drawing parallels and conducting an analysis of regional risks, our study has the potential to provide a valuable reference for neighboring nations who are grappling with similar difficulties.…”

“…Several studies have been performed over the coastal region of the world to detect coastal vulnerability of cyclone using IPCC framework. For example: Multi-criterion analysis of cyclone risk along the coast of Tamil Nadu, India [ 16 ], tropical cyclone assessment using both cyclone track data and metrological data in India [ 17 ], multidimensional model for cyclone vulnerability assessment of urban slum dwellers in India [ 18 ], cyclone vulnerability assessment using GIS and Remote sensing in Tamil Nadu, India [ 19 ], cyclone-induced coastal vulnerability, livelihood challenges and mitigation measures of Matla-Bidya interfluve area, Indian Sundarbans [ 20 ], mapping the impact of climate change on the vulnerability of community livelihoods in the riparian zone of the Gangatic Plain, India [ 21 ], coastal vulnerability assessment using Landsat and Cubesat in Karachi, Pakistan [ 22 ], climate change vulnerability and adaptation options for the coastal communities of Pakistan [ 23 ], household vulnerability to floods and cyclones in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan [ 24 ], district level cyclone vulnerability assessment in Pakistan using geospatial techniques [ 25 ], effects of cyclone Hudhud captured by a high altitude automatic weather station in northwestern Nepal [ 26 ], disaster risk reduction and management in Nepal [ 27 ], assessment of tropical cyclone damage on dry forests using multispectral remote sensing in Mexico [ 28 ], impact of tropical cyclone in China [ 29 ] etc.…”