By Jyoti Jangra

February 15, 2025

Prasanna serves as the sarpanch of Satabhaya Gram Panchayat in Odisha. Satabhaya, once a cluster of seven villages, is believed to be the first region affected by climate change in India. Prasanna, who spent over two decades as a migrant worker in Kerala before returning to his village, recounts the heartbreaking story of his coastal home and delves into the relentless struggles of fishermen and farming communities who have lost lives, shelter, land and livelihoods.

Due to recurring natural disasters, Odisha has long been trapped in a cycle of poverty and distress migration. In 2023, an estimated 1.75 million people moved from Odisha to other states, many driven by distress and desperation.

The most vulnerable to disasters are the coastal communities along the Bay of Bengal, which are at the forefront of battling the consequences of climate change. Having witnessed eight of the 10 worst tropical cyclones and gradual flooding from sea ingression, these communities face a constant threat of displacement, poverty and hunger.

Prasanna reflects on how, despite living in harmony with nature and contributing little to aggravating climate change, his community suffers its consequences. Distress migration has not only uprooted several communities like his, but also left them fragmented over time.

With rising global temperatures, it is predicted that over 200 kilometres of Odisha’s shoreline will erode by 2050, displacing millions and creating a new wave of climate refugees. Without proper livelihood support, these climate refugees may face the same fate as the people of Satabhaya.