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Flood vulnerability in township informal settlements
Sazi W Gcabashe1, Sareesha Pillay1
1Department of Public Management and Leadership, Faculty of Humanities, Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha, South Africa.
Jamba (Potchefstroom, South Africa)
|April 10, 2026
Summary
Migration fuels urban informality, increasing flood vulnerability in informal settlements. Biophysical and social factors combine, driven by socioeconomic conditions and a sense of place, to shape settlement risks.
Area of Science:
- Urban Planning and Geography
- Environmental Science
- Sociology
Background:
- Townships are increasingly characterized by urban informality and informal settlements due to migration.
- These informal settlements are expanding and becoming more vulnerable to hazards, particularly floods.
- Understanding the factors influencing flood vulnerability in these areas is crucial for effective urban planning and disaster risk reduction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the factors influencing flood vulnerability in informal settlements within townships in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM).
- To analyze the interplay of biophysical and social vulnerabilities in these settlements.
- To understand the role of migration and socioeconomic conditions in shaping settlement patterns and risks.
Main Methods:
- The study employed the Integrated Vulnerability Approach.
- Secondary data were collected from online repositories and digital media using specific keywords.
- Thematic analysis was used to analyze the collected data.
Main Results:
- Flood vulnerability is influenced by the nature, location, and population characteristics of informal settlements.
- Marginalization of public services and socioeconomic factors drive settlement in hazard-prone areas.
- Despite risks, a 'sense of place' due to socioeconomic advantages and cultural ties retains dwellers in these settlements.
Conclusions:
- Flood vulnerability in township informal settlements results from a combination of biophysical and social factors.
- The conception and historical development of informal settlements contribute to infrastructural and service delivery deficits.
- Migration and its socioeconomic consequences are significant drivers of vulnerability in these settlements.
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