Holistic Cyclone Preparedness in a River Nomadic Community: A Study on Manta Community, Bauphal Upazila, Bangladesh

Cyclones remain a serious threat to Bangladesh's coastal communities. However, their impacts are not felt equally across all geographical locations and sociodemographic groups. The community of Bauphal, Patuakhali, is especially vulnerable because its livelihoods are tied to rivers, boats, fishing, and seasonal mobility rather than fixed land-based settlement. Our current study assists cyclone preparedness among the manta community. A cross-sectional survey of samples selected via the purposive sampling technique. Preparedness was examined using the Holistic Individual Preparedness model. Data were analysed through descriptive statistics and multilinear regression analysis. The overall holistic individual preparedness score was moderate (M = 0.58). The community was well prepared in dimensions like social integration and knowledge, while subsistence is the least developed dimension. Although multiple linear regression shows significance in the overall HIPM score, the sociodemographic predictors remained largely decoupled from the analysis of the variables. Overall preparedness, however, remains uneven, with notable gaps in formal training, cyclone shelter use, reliable communication sources, and protection of boats and fishing assets. The findings indicate that a community's preparedness is affected by economic and material vulnerability rather than information or social vulnerability. The study suggests a dimension-specific preparedness intervention instead of a uniform collective preparedness intervention. The study concludes that the preparedness among the manta community is shaped not only by awareness but also by poverty, mobility, livelihood insecurity, weak service access, and limited institutional inclusion. Prioritising material and asset-based support will help their sustenance and increase resilience to cyclones.