Livestock vulnerability and holistic approaches to loss and damage assessment

India’s vulnerability to natural disasters, ranging from cyclones and floods to droughts and earthquakes, poses significant risks to its livestock sector, a cornerstone of rural livelihoods and national food security. This paper investigates the multifaceted impact of natural disasters on livestock, with a focus on Cyclone Fani’s aftermath in two severely affected villages in Odisha. Drawing on primary household-level data and supported by a critical review of existing methodologies, this study highlights the disproportionately high economic losses faced by livestock-owning households, particularly those dependent on high-value animals such as cows, goats, and buffaloes. Contrary to the conventional view that income diversification reduces risk, our findings reveal that livestock ownership can amplify financial vulnerability in disaster contexts. Crucially, current assessment frameworks, particularly the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA), fail to capture the full scope of losses, especially non-economic and indirect impacts such as reduced livelihood security, emotional trauma, and long-term productivity decline. The absence of livestock-specific identification systems, insurance coverage, and disaster-resilient infrastructure further compounds these vulnerabilities. This paper calls for an expanded and integrated Loss and Damage (L&D) methodology that includes both economic and non-economic dimensions, while also leveraging indigenous knowledge and community-based solutions. By advancing a more inclusive approach to disaster risk assessment and response, the study aims to inform policy interventions that enhance the resilience of India’s livestock sector in an era of escalating climate risk.