A Geo-Spatial
approach for the assessment of coastal submergence vulnerability by climate change:
A case study from Bapatla District, A.P. State, India
Randhi Uma Devi and Arshid Hussain Malik
Disaster Advances; Vol. 18(9); 31-39;
doi: https://doi.org/10.25303/189da031039; (2025)
Abstract
The Indian Meteorological Department's (IMD) Cyclone e-Atlas was examined for historical
storm data and predicted routes. Based on this report, it was identified that the
Bapatla region is one of the most vulnerable areas to frequent cyclones and storm
surges on the East Coast of India. The ArcMap 10.8.1 software was used to generate
slope, drainage and base maps in the study area. The generated maps were applied
to develop the Digital Elevation Model (DEM). The 610 villages and towns studied
for coastal inundation encompass an area of about 176.49 sq. km. The DEM identified
that most of the Bapatla District seaside village settlements are at high risk from
coastal submergence.
440 villages, comprising of 151.45 sq. km, are unaffected by coastal submergence,
making up 72% of the studied area. 170 settlements, with an area of approximately
25 sq. km, are most vulnerable to coastal submergence, accounting for 27% of the
studied area. This area is extremely susceptible to major hydro-met catastrophes.
