Method for economic loss estimation in traditional coastal salt farming towards tidal inundation

Tidal flooding is a significant threat to salt farming regions, but this issue has not received much attention in the academic literature. Furthermore, the limited availability of data hinders further analysis of the economic impact of these recurrent flooding events. To address these challenges, this study proposes a practical method for assessing financial loss in salt farming by leveraging a combination of mixed hydrodynamic inputs, damage analysis, and GIS techniques. Specifically, the method involves developing a synthetic vulnerability curve and cost/revenue (C/R) data based on local community knowledge, which can provide a granular understanding of the impact of tidal flooding on salt farming operations. The effectiveness of this approach was demonstrated in one of the significant salt production regions in Indonesia, where the method was successfully applied. Moreover, the approach has the potential to be replicated in other coastal regions with limited data available, making it a valuable tool for policymakers and local communities. Finally, the method provides individual loss analysis at the parcel level, allowing for a more granular understanding of the financial impact of tidal flooding on salt farming operations. in Indonesia the potential to be replicated in the other coastal region with limited data available.•This method allows quick and detailed flood loss estimation using established vulnerability curves in different production stages.•It is a cost-efficient method to evaluate the impact of tidal flooding based on one-time recorded events.•It delivers individual loss analysis at the parcel level.