Cyclone Hazards and Community Response in Coastal West Bengal

Coastal Bengal is a most vulnerable area because of its repeated exposure to cyclone hazards which cause severe damage to human life, property and vegetation. Nevertheless, the residents of the region refuse to migrate elsewhere unless they are forced, or rendered completely homeless. Though social tensions do arise due to discrimination in the relief work, cyclonic disasters generally act as a social-leveller and a social cement, enabling the victims to continue to reside in the land of their deceased predecessors.