Impact assessment of disaster on coastal area road network and port logistics: a case study of Kakinada coastal zone

Abstract

Global Climate change has become a rising concern in Indian subcontinent especially coastal regions has been experiencing increasingly more frequent and extreme climatic events and climate-induced disasters like recent cyclone Nivar, Fani, Gaja, Hudhud, Amphan etc. as well as flood has also caused utter destruction to country’s coastal states because of its exposure, rapid urbanization, high densities of population and associated economic activities such as agriculture, industries, trade, aquaculture, tourism etc. . As per UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) survey, India ranks third among the five countries most affected by natural disasters over the last 20 years, after the United States and China. While efficient disaster preparedness has saved many lives, restoring destroyed infrastructure and returning to normalcy after the disruptions remain significant challenges. Infrastructure development and productivity plays a crucial role in economic development. India’s is the sixteenth largest maritime country with a mainland coastline of 7,517 km, 14500 km navigational waterways forming the biggest peninsula in the world has been the hub of commercial and tourism activities. Together, the nine coastal states and two union territories contribute over 50 percent of India’s GDP while every year natural disasters cause 2% drop in GDP. Majority of these urban agglomerations are vital infrastructure assets like ports, agriculture, aquaculture, industries, tourism etc. that generates wealth, economy and growth for the country. Local and global economies are for highly dependent on the import and export of goods as more than 90% of global trade by volumes and 70% by value is carried by sea. India is also aiming for sustainable port lead development under the Sagarmala programme. As a result, assessing existing infrastructure and recommending entry points at multiple stages of decision-making for promoting climate-resilient growth has become critically essential. This study aims to plan for economic and efficient movement of domestic cargo from Kakinada Port to its hinterland through roadways during and post natural disasters by assessing the current infrastructure capacities and losses. This research intends to examine the impact of disaster on road infrastructure and freight movement by identifying hazards affecting the vulnerability, then assessing the criticality and vulnerability of identified hazards on road network based upon current capacity. Accessibility and operational thresholds. Based upon the same forecasting the future surge of disasters and travel demand and suggesting adaptation strategies to make the current infrastructure resilient, accommodating future need.