Understanding Socioeconomic Risk and Vulnerability to Climate Change–Induced Disasters: The Case of Informal Settlements in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Abstract

This study employs a qualitative research approach to spatially delineate the risk and vulnerability of informal settlements in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This comes after devastating floods that occurred in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, in April 2022. This disaster emphasised the necessity for South Africa to proactively address natural hazards by implementing risk reduction strategies rather than attempting to mitigate the impact after the damage has occurred. Evidence indicates that the risk and vulnerability associated with climate-induced disasters, such as flooding, are exacerbated by socioeconomic factors, including housing shortages, which compel individuals to construct dwellings in flood-prone areas. Opportunities exist to enhance the understanding of disaster risk reduction in Africa, and South Africa in particular, through science-informed initiatives employing spatial techniques, including geographic information systems, hazard exposure mapping, and socioeconomic risk and vulnerability mapping. These techniques are crucial for humanitarian planning focused on long-term risk reduction, early recovery, shelter, reconstruction, and psychosocial support for climate change disaster recovery. Furthermore, an understanding of the nature and location of areas with high disaster risk, such as flooding, is essential for the formulation of disaster risk reduction strategies, including early warning systems.