A data-driven framework for enhancing coastal flood resilience in resource-crunched developing nations

A comprehensive Flood Resilient Scenario Model ‘FReSMo’ employs a data-driven, evidence-based approach for assessing climate-induced flood risk and validating the efficacy of mangroves (as context-specific adaptation measure) in reducing residential building damage. Based on an improvised Source-Pathway-Receptor-Consequence-Evidence concept, FReSMo employs a three-step analysis. First, hazard mapping estimates coastal flood extents for various return period under different Shared Socioeconomic Pathways. Second, the model maps the exposure of residential buildings to these flood extents by projecting built-up area for 2050 using the FUTURES model, based on physiographic, socio-demographic, and economic parameters. Finally, a data-driven probabilistic damage model is applied to estimate the built-up area damage for a 100-year coastal flood event (SSP-2.6). The pre-and post-adaptation damage estimate demonstrates the efficacity of NBS (mangroves) in reducing coastal flood risk. A 100 m mangrove patch on the Sagar coastline reduced the building damage cost by 70% for a 48-hr and 75% for a 24-hr flood. Considering a plantation cost for 6.2 km2, the total benefit, despite persistent losses, was a 222% return on investment. FReSMo transcends conventional risk assessment frameworks by offering a comprehensive approach for evaluating the cost-effectiveness of adaptation investments in developing countries, making it an invaluable tool in the face of climate change.