Disaster Risk and Resilience in Resource - Sensitive Areas: A Case Study of Flood Impact on Purnea District

Abstract Natural and man-made disasters pose a severe threat to resource-sensitive regions, particularly in developing countries such as India, where high population density and dependence on natural resources amplify risks. Purnea district in Bihar, situated in the flood-prone Kosi basin, frequently experiences devastating floods that result in large-scale damage to infrastructure, disruption of livelihoods, and deepening socio-economic vulnerabilities. Each flood event not only destroys standing crops and erodes fertile land but also undermines household resilience by causing loss of income, displacement, and food insecurity. This article presents a comprehensive risk assessment and mitigation analysis, drawing on a primary survey of 200 farmers across five blocks in Purnea district. The findings underscore the urgency for integrated disaster risk reduction strategies that combine structural measures with community-based approaches. Evidence highlights that socio-economic fragility; institutional gaps, poor infrastructure, and low disaster preparedness significantly contribute to heightened vulnerability. The recurrent nature of floods perpetuates cycles of poverty and restricts opportunities for sustainable development in the region. The paper concludes by recommending a multi-tiered strategy for flood mitigation, which emphasizes community-level preparedness, strengthened local governance, and inclusive planning. Building adaptive capacities, improving institutional coordination, and promoting livelihood diversification are critical steps to enhance resilience in flood-prone areas. The study further stresses that climate change is likely to intensify risks in the coming decades, making proactive disaster management indispensable for safeguarding both lives and resources in regions such as Purnea.