Mapping Cyclone and Flood Hazard Vulnerability in Puri District, Odisha, India, Using Geoinformatics

India is vulnerable to many natural and human-made disasters due to its unique geo-climatic and socio-economic conditions. This paper focuses on natural disasters; such as cyclones and floods in the Puri district in the Indian state of Odisha. In this study, a number of floods and cyclones that occurred in the district were identified. The thematic maps of the influencing factors such as soil type, flood and cyclone vulnerability, elevation, and 2020 land cover were created using ArcGIS 10.3. Thereafter, the weighted overlay method was adopted based on analytical hierarchy process (AHP) to map the overall vulnerability of the district. The results derived from this study exhibited that the district is highly vulnerable to floods and cyclones. Finally, strategies were recommended for hazard risk reduction covering enhancing awareness towards hazards, improving early warning systems, establishing better communication between various stakeholders, and strengthening environmental protection and disaster risk reduction. Furthermore, measures for mitigation such as creating shelters, post-disaster rehabilitation, better and improved health facilities, incorporating green infrastructure at critical locations, relying on nature-based measures, execution of mangrove plantation along the coastal belt of the district, creating barriers or dykes to prevent water tides, and plummeting leachate due to improper waste disposal near the coast are suggested. The analysis and mapping of hazard vulnerability can act as a reference for urban planners and policymakers to promote Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 11 which is sustainable cities and communities.