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Household Vulnerability to Flood Disasters among Tharu Community, Western Nepal

Author

Listed:
  • Til Prasad Pangali Sharma

    (Key Laboratory of Digital Earth Science, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100094, China
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
    Institute of Fundamental Research and Studies, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal)

  • Jiahua Zhang

    (Key Laboratory of Digital Earth Science, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100094, China
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China)

  • Narendra Raj Khanal

    (Central Department of Geography, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu 44613, Nepal)

  • Pashupati Nepal

    (Central Department of Geography, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu 44613, Nepal)

  • Bishnu Prasad Pangali Sharma

    (University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
    Central Department of Geography, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu 44613, Nepal)

  • Lkhagvadorj Nanzad

    (Key Laboratory of Digital Earth Science, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100094, China
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China)

  • Yograj Gautam

    (Department of Geography, University of Bergen, P.O. Box 78005020 Bergen, Norway)

Abstract

Monsoon floods are frequent in the Tarai region of Nepal and claim thousands of lives and substantial numbers of properties every year. Certain human activities are more affected than others in the case of the same hazard. This study analyzes vulnerability to flooding among Tharu households. Data were collected by employing household surveys, group discussions, and key informant interviews in the Thapapur Village Development Committee (VDC) of Kailali district, western Tarai, Nepal. The analysis presented in this study is based on the theory that underpins the pressure and release (PAR) and access models. The results show that Tharu people are the major inhabitants in the study area and they prefer to live within their community; many ex-bonded laborers (marginalized people) choose this location for residence. Human causalities have been reduced in recent years due to easy access to cell phones, which has facilitated effective flood warnings with suitable lead times, but agriculture production loss and other losses are still high. Agricultural land is not only an important natural asset but is also considered a financial asset due to its high price and private ownership. The study concludes that subsistence agriculture-based households with small landholding sizes and less income diversification are highly vulnerable to flooding. Improper resettlement of ex-bonded laborers and land fragmentation due to separation of family members are the most prominent factors resulting in small landholdings. The results can guide government authorities to develop proper flood management strategies for the people living in the lowlands (particularly the Tarai region) of Nepal.

Suggested Citation

  • Til Prasad Pangali Sharma & Jiahua Zhang & Narendra Raj Khanal & Pashupati Nepal & Bishnu Prasad Pangali Sharma & Lkhagvadorj Nanzad & Yograj Gautam, 2022. "Household Vulnerability to Flood Disasters among Tharu Community, Western Nepal," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(19), pages 1-19, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:19:p:12386-:d:928879
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    Cited by:

    1. Ana Momčilović Petronijević & Predrag Petronijević, 2022. "Floods and Their Impact on Cultural Heritage—A Case Study of Southern and Eastern Serbia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(22), pages 1-25, November.

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