Citation

Morin VM, Ahmad MM, Warnitchai P. Disasters 2016; 40(4): 693-719.

Affiliation

Professor, School of Engineering and Technology, Asian Institute of Technology, Pathumthani, Thailand.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/disa.12174

PMID

26749416

Abstract

In many low- and middle-income countries informal communities-also termed slum and squatter areas-have become a dominant and distinct form of urban settlement, with ever increasing populations. Such communities are often located in areas of high hazard exposure and frequently affected by disasters. While often recognised as one of the highest 'at risk' populations, this paper will argue that informal settlers have been directly and indirectly excluded from many formal mechanisms, thereby increasing their vulnerability to disaster events. Household surveys were conducted across several frequently flooded informal coastal communities in Metro Manila, the Philippines, following a major typhoon and storm surge disaster. The study revealed a large level of diversity in socio-economic vulnerability, although all households faced similar levels of physical exposure and physical vulnerability. Disaster risk reduction policies and responses need to better integrate informal settlement areas and recognise the diversity within these communities.

Language: en