Understanding Disaster Risks through Vulnerability Analysis in Indo-Nepal Terai Region

Abstract

Vulnerability is a multi-dimensional and multi-layered concept that encompasses a range of factors affecting individuals, communities, and systems. It is a crucial lens through which to understand the susceptibility of various entities to harm and their inability to cope with adverse impacts. Vulnerability is particularly relevant in the context of disasters and climate change.  A comprehensive vulnerability analysis can help in understanding and assessing potential disaster risks for better planning. This study provides a comprehensive vulnerability analysis of the Indo-Nepal Terai region, which is highly prone to natural disasters. Being geologically young and tectonically active, the region exhibits a dynamic and unstable terrain, a condition further exacerbated by the high-intensity monsoonal rainfall. The presence of several Himalayan rivers, combined with heavy precipitation, often triggers a range of mass-wasting processes, including landslides, debris flows, and recurrent flooding. This study seeks to identify the physical and socio-economic vulnerabilities within the Indo-Nepal Terai region. Relying on secondary data sources, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was employed for vulnerability mapping. The findings reveal that several districts in the Terai region fall within high and moderate vulnerability zones, indicating higher risks. The study emphasizes the urgent need for a robust internal as well as cross-border disaster management mechanism between Nepal and India for effective preparation to mitigate the risks.