Flood Vulnerability Analysis in Una District, Himachal Pradesh (India)

Abstract India is exposed to a range of natural hazards including flooding, cyclones, droughts, extreme heat, wildfires, and earthquakes (GFDRR, 2019). Between 1915 and 2015, India faced 649 disasters. The Himalayas are the most fragile regions and are acutely susceptible to floods and flash floods, particularly during the monsoon season. This region has one of the world’s most complex hydrological dynamics. It encompasses the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus river basins, and contributes to its vulnerability. When the hazards imposed by floods exceed the coping capabilities of the affected population, they become disastrous. District Una is situated on the bank of the Swan River, which flows north to west. During the monsoon period, rivers experience devastating floods. Furthermore, flood vulnerability assessment plays a critical role in mapping the current risk of the human landscape and allows for a comprehensive evaluation of how different socio economic factors interact and contribute to the susceptibility of the region to flooding (Kesar Chand & et al., 2024). The present study aims to determine the extent of the flood and understand the flood vulnerability in the Una district of Himachal Pradesh.