Assessment of the flood induced loss and damage by using multi-dimentional poverty index in Melamchi municipalty Sindhupalchowk, Nepal

Flooding is one of the most frequent and devastating natural disasters, particularly impacting developing nations like Nepal. The June 2021 flood in Melamchi Municipality exemplified this, causing extensive damage to infrastructure, displacing hundreds of families, and highlighting the community's vulnerability to climate change. The Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) serves as a critical tool for assessing the socio-economic impacts of such disasters by considering various deprivations beyond income, including health and education. This study aimed to evaluate the flood-induced loss and damage in Melamchi Municipality using the MPI and socio demographic survey such as HHS, FGD and KII to understand how such events disproportionately affect impoverished households. The research findings revealed 0.03 MPI variation before and after flood which indicated that only 3% of people are considered to be multidimensionally poor, a significant increase in households classified as experiencing "High" poverty post-flood, particularly in wards 10 and 11. Specifically, Ward 10's MPI rose from 0.14 to 0.15, while Ward 11 experienced a dramatic increase from 0.12 to 0.27, indicating severe deterioration in living conditions. Overall, the number of households categorized as "High" poverty increased from 40 before the flood to 52 afterward, while those in "Low" poverty dropped from 58 to 38. Correlation analysis demonstrated a strong relationship between flood-induced loss and increased poverty levels across all observed wards. This stark reality emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive disaster recovery strategies that address both immediate needs and long-term resilience. The MPI's multifaceted approach enables stakeholders to identify vulnerable populations requiring targeted assistance in recovery efforts. Additionally, integrating local knowledge into recovery strategies fosters community ownership and ensures that initiatives are culturally appropriate. By employing the MPI in assessing flood impacts, policymakers can prioritize resources effectively and develop targeted interventions that promote equity in disaster response efforts. Ultimately, addressing the intersection of multidimensional poverty and flood risk is essential for developing effective disaster management strategies that enhance resilience and sustainability in Melamchi Municipality. Understanding this relationship will be crucial for creating inclusive disaster risk reduction measures that not only aim for immediate recovery but also focus on long-term socio-economic stability for affected communities.