An interpretative phenomenological analysis of the lived experiences of flood in a rural setting of West Bengal, India

The leading objective of the present study is to represent the meaningful and subjective insights of the lived experiences of flood among the residents of a rural setting of Ghatal (West Midnapore), West Bengal. Through Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), the study seeks to explore the insider’s perspectives of the flood that are a very habitual event at Ghatal. Seven participants were interviewed using semi-structured interview method, resulted a detailed and rich data about the subjective perception of the participants about flood are transcribed verbatim and interpreted through three broad themes- (a) sensing flood from positive and negative frames, (b) living the flood and its consequences, and (c) the issues of relief and local politics. The mentioned themes are solely grounded on the participants’ logical understanding of the flood and their livelihood that may be addressed for better policies and action on these issues.