Author(s): Maniyammai Kumaresen; Fang Yenn Teo
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: Urban Flooding; Resilient; Adaptive community; Disaster Preparedness
Abstract: Urban flooding is a global issue experienced by many cities, including that in Malaysia. With the national urbanization rate in Malaysia predicted to increase to 85%, the population is expected to reach 46 million by 2040. This growth will put increasing pressure on urban development, in addition to extreme climate conditions and environmental degradation, leading to a rise in the frequency and severity of urban floods. Unlike traditional floods that can be predicted due to heavy rainfall events and monsoons, urban floods can occur unexpectedly with little warnings and are worsened by the urban landscape setups. It is a severe issue exacerbated by rapid urbanization, inadequate drainage systems, increasing impermeable surfaces, etc. The damages caused by urban flooding can be significant and have far-reaching consequences, including property damages, economic losses, life losses, adverse effects on the mental health of city residents, etc. Since urban cities are home to many people with diverse socio-economic backgrounds, a study has been carried out to involve Malaysian communities in their understanding of flood resilience. By making the communities aware of strategies for flood resilience, they can better cope with unexpected flood disasters in the future. Through this study, it is essential to investigate the adaptive capacity within communities to empower them to prepare for, respond to, and recover from flood events more efficiently. Semi-structured interviews and qualitative analyses were conducted with the flood victims and the government officers to identify the community’s adaptive capacity. The study also assessed how the flood victims perceive their vulnerability and responses to flood risks through their basic knowledge, communication, and knowledge-sharing among communities with other stakeholders. The study discovered that the socio-economic status of a community plays a vital role in determining its ability to adapt to floods. Despite significant disparities in socio-economic factors, communities actively participate in finding ways to enhance their resilience and adaptability towards flooding. This highlights the importance of community-led initiatives in addressing vulnerabilities, increasing preparedness for urban floods, and promoting community resilience. The findings showed that a deep understanding of adaptive capacity among communities is crucial in assessing the impact of environmental changes on the resilience and well-being of communities, which aligns with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 and the Urban Agenda 2030. The study also aims to enhance the adaptive capacity of cities in Malaysia to be more resilient to future disasters.
Year: 2024