Bhutiabasti Underwater: An In-Depth Analysis of Flooding’s Effects on Lives and Livelihood in the Himalaya Foothills, India

The Himalayan foothills are popular for their physical and cultural diversity, but they also face devastating floods and their impact on human lives and their livelihood. Bhutiabasti is located near the Jayanti River valley, Alipurduar, India. Every year, floods in the study region occur at an alarming rate, eroding its man-made artificial banks. Nearly 250 hectares of land were reportedly damaged, and the amount is expanding unpredictably along the Bhutiabasti and Jayanti villages in 2011. The monsoon floods can be strongly initiated by an increase in bed height and the volume of water in a cross-section of a river, regardless of excessive rainfall. 110 inhabited were abolished during the flood, and people leave today due to flood hazards. The Jayanti Bridge fell during the 1993 flood. Today, only 33 inhabited are still fighting to adapt this place. They can also not settle their house in another place because the Jayanti River and the Bhutan Border surround the village area. “Bhutiabasti Underwater: An In-Depth Analysis of Flooding's Effects on Lives and Livelihoods in the Himalayan Foothills” presents a comprehensive examination of the intricate relationship between flooding events and the communities residing in this region. The sustainable livelihood index stands at 32.82, indicating poor sustainability. The Relative Importance Index (RII) highlights natural disasters as the most significant livelihood barrier (RII 0.98). In addition to providing a thorough understanding of the difficulties these communities face, “Bhutiabasti Underwater” also offers essential insights for decision-makers, researchers, and humanitarian organizations working to reduce the effects of flooding and promote sustainable development in this ecologically vulnerable yet culturally rich region.