Assessing resilience through social networks: A case study of flood disaster management in China

Abstract

The study of resilience has gained significant traction in the field of disaster risk reduction (DRR) due to the escalating frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as floods. Social capital accumulated within social networks comprising stakeholders serves as a crucial resource for the establishment of disaster resilience. Therefore, this study examines and evaluates resilience to changes within DRR process through a social capital perspective. First, it embraces the conceptual framework of disaster resilience through social capital and elucidates six distinct forms of social capital relevant to enhancing disaster resilience. Subsequently, the governance structure of flood emergency management in China is thoroughly examined and a disaster resilience assessment system is established from the standpoint of social capital using a social network analysis methodology. Finally, using the case of the devastating flooding triggered by the 7–20 rainstorm in Henan, China, resilience levels are measured at various stages of the flooding employing 4R theory. The results of this study will aid governmental and non-governmental organizations in enhancing their resilience in the face of natural disasters.