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<p>Recurrent flooding in the Brahmaputra Valley of Assam — where nearly forty percent of land is vulnerable to inundation — poses severe threats to agricultural livelihoods, infrastructure, and household well-being. Despite the scale of this hazard, systematic household-level evidence on the spatial distribution of flood vulnerability across the region remains limited. This study assesses flood vulnerability across five strategically selected districts — Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Morigaon, Nalbari, and Barpeta — using the Flood Vulnerability Index (FVI), integrating primary data from 627 households from January to May 2024, with qualitative focus group discussions and secondary government sources. Findings reveal that Morigaon is the most vulnerable district, driven by the highest exposure and susceptibility scores, a predominantly agrarian household economy, the lowest income levels, and the largest family sizes among the study districts. Dhemaji and Lakhimpur record moderate-to-high vulnerability, with institutional inaccessibility and dependence on informal coping mechanisms as key aggravating factors. Barpeta and Nalbari are comparatively less vulnerable, though Barpeta's char-dwelling population faces structural marginalisation that composite scores understate. Across all districts, institutional failure — including inequitable relief distribution and inadequate disaster shelters — consistently amplifies vulnerability regardless of physical exposure levels. The study underscores the need for spatially differentiated flood management strategies that combine livelihood diversification, strengthened institutional delivery, and community-based resilience building in Assam's most flood-exposed communities.</p>

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Assessing flood vulnerability in the Brahmaputra Valley of Assam using a mixed methods approach

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2026年6月20日

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  • Deeksha Hazarika,
  • Mrinal Saikia,
  • Hari K. Choudhury,
  • Nayanmoni Borgohain Baruah

摘要

Recurrent flooding in the Brahmaputra Valley of Assam — where nearly forty percent of land is vulnerable to inundation — poses severe threats to agricultural livelihoods, infrastructure, and household well-being. Despite the scale of this hazard, systematic household-level evidence on the spatial distribution of flood vulnerability across the region remains limited. This study assesses flood vulnerability across five strategically selected districts — Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Morigaon, Nalbari, and Barpeta — using the Flood Vulnerability Index (FVI), integrating primary data from 627 households from January to May 2024, with qualitative focus group discussions and secondary government sources. Findings reveal that Morigaon is the most vulnerable district, driven by the highest exposure and susceptibility scores, a predominantly agrarian household economy, the lowest income levels, and the largest family sizes among the study districts. Dhemaji and Lakhimpur record moderate-to-high vulnerability, with institutional inaccessibility and dependence on informal coping mechanisms as key aggravating factors. Barpeta and Nalbari are comparatively less vulnerable, though Barpeta's char-dwelling population faces structural marginalisation that composite scores understate. Across all districts, institutional failure — including inequitable relief distribution and inadequate disaster shelters — consistently amplifies vulnerability regardless of physical exposure levels. The study underscores the need for spatially differentiated flood management strategies that combine livelihood diversification, strengthened institutional delivery, and community-based resilience building in Assam's most flood-exposed communities.