Flood’s Unwavering Touch: Unveiling the Socio-Economic Symphony of Ghatal Sub- division, Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal

The socio-economic challenges faced by Ghatal, West Bengal, due to frequent floods in the lower Shilavati River basin are the focus of this study. Employing a mixed-methods approach, it combines comprehensive household surveys with advanced statistical analyses to assess the impacts on the local community, particularly within the Ghatal Sub-division. The research highlights how flooding during the monsoon season exacerbates issues in low-lying areas, significantly affecting agriculture and disrupting livelihoods. Key findings reveal that 78% of households remain in flood-prone areas despite the risks, and there is a significant loss of residential and agricultural lands, posing major threats to riverbank communities. The study also emphasizes the public health risks associated with flooding, including outbreaks of waterborne diseases and reduced access to healthcare due to damaged infrastructure. By detailing the adaptive measures that communities have ingeniously adopted in response to these persistent environmental challenges, the research offers valuable insights into community resilience. Furthermore, it provides recommendations for policymakers and researchers aimed at fostering sustainable development and enhancing the capacity to address climatic challenges.