Characterizing shifting pattern of disaster-induced death and disaster management policies: a regional analysis from Odisha, India

Abstract

A study was conducted to understand if the disaster death in Odisha, India across five categories, viz. tropical cyclone, lightning, heat wave, cold wave and extreme precipitation events underwent any significant change during 2001-14. It was based on timeseries data available at the National Data Portal of India. Results of the study suggest that the number of fatalities from sporadic meso-scale meteorological hazards like cyclones and heavy precipitation have drastically reduced due to better forecasting and effective evacuation strategies adopted by the Government. However, fatalities due to more frequent recurring extreme events, such as lightning and heat stress are on the rise. Male adults and middle-aged people (30-44 and 45-59 years respectively) constituted the most vulnerable groups affected by lightning and heat stress which account for maximum number of deaths in the state. Older population (especially older women) were more vulnerable towards cold wave due to reduced thermoregulatory mechanism. The finding is significant, because often deaths due to lightning injury, heat stress and cold wave either go unnoticed or are under-reported. We expect that the present study which focuses on gender and age disaggregated death would help in adopting more targeted mitigation or adaptation strategies in Odisha. The study also points out the need of a single and detailed spatio-temporal data infrastructure for all kinds of disaster deaths for more in-depth and insightful analysis.