Ecosystem based disaster risk reduction at Indian Sundarbans: A lesson learned from AMPHAN supercyclone

Abstract

Ecosystem based Disaster Risk reduction is the sustainable, green method to minimize cyclone damages at tropical coasts. As a part of a climate change resilience project initiated in 2012, 102 hectare of multispecies mangrove plantation was established at the eastern corner of Indian Sundarbans. The AMPHAN supercyclone, has caused immeasurable destruction in the region, between 16- 21st May, 2020. This research brings forward the field observations on the effectiveness of community-managed mangrove plantations in ameliorating disaster impacts. The study revealed that mangrove bio-shield minimized property damage during the cyclone by reducing flooding through earthen embankment stabilization and managing the wind speed, direction.