Coastal multi-hazard vulnerability mapping: a case study along the coast of Nellore District, east coast of India

Abstract

The study area coastal zone of Nellore district is experiencing frequent inundation by natural disasters. The current study is focused on generating Multi-hazard vulnerability map using the parameters historical storm surge heights, future sea level, future shoreline and high resolution coastal topography. The area is experiencing the severe coastal erosion up to 7 m/y along some stretches poses a threat. An area totalling 1708.36 sq. km. is found to fall under the multi-hazard zone and the coastal population are under threat due to future storms, erosion, accelerated sea level rise, etc. The image enhancement, interpretation and GIS overlay techniques along with data used here are effective to produce Multi-hazard vulnerability maps. These Maps are become vital tools for the coastal disaster management during an event and to take suitable decision on the future developments.