Social and Physical Vulnerability of Settlements to Hydro-Climatic Induced Disasters: Lessons from Cyclone Idai in Zimbabwe

Abstract

There has been an observed increase in the occurrence and intensity of multiple hazards related to extreme hydro-climatic events. This chapter assesses the social and physical vulnerability of settlements to hydro-climatic induced disasters taking lessons from tropical cyclone Idai in Zimbabwe. The chapter used questionnaire surveys, in-depth interviews, descriptive statistics as well as Earth observation in the collection of and analysis of data. The results showed that more than 50% of the participants were permanently displaced due to cyclone Idai with their houses and land permanently destroyed or too dangerous to live in. High density urban and informal settlements were more vulnerable to the impacts of cyclone Idai than rural settlements. Settlements located on low-lying areas, waterways and steep slopes were also at high risk of multiple hazards such as landslides and floods. There was an observed poor appreciation of disaster management and response by the affected communities regardless of the fact that they were living on high flood-risk areas. A multi-hazard management plan that is derived through community participation was recommended for the area. The management plan needed to be hinged on modernization of observation networks and assisting communities to respond to early warnings.