Coping mechanism of flood vulnerable households along Bitan-ag Creek, Cagayan de Oro city, Philippines

Type Journal Article - Advances in Environmental Sciences - International Journal of the Bioflux Society
Title Coping mechanism of flood vulnerable households along Bitan-ag Creek, Cagayan de Oro city, Philippines
Author(s)
Volume 6
Issue 2
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2014
URL http://www.aes.bioflux.com.ro/docs/2014.111-124.pdf
Abstract
Flooding has been a problem worldwide that contributes negative impacts to environment and lives of many individuals. Flooding in Cagayan de Oro City is one of the major environmental dilemmas affecting properties and lives of local communities especially in areas along Bitan-ag Creek. The purpose of this study was to know the households’ coping strategies in dealing with different stages of flood. This objective was attained through conduct of survey, analysis and identification of coping mechanisms. This study was conducted in Cagayan de Oro City at communities nearby Bitan-ag Creek. An inventory of households coping mechanisms can be used by the Local Government Unit in defining the policies for recommendations on flood management. Results showed that the households’ behavior towards flood was influenced by the following factors: flood depth, flood duration and economic capacity of the household to cope with its impacts. The viable coping mechanisms employed by the households in the area are the economic and social coping mechanisms. The local knowledge of people should be included in the objectives of the existing disaster management plan of Cagayan de Oro City. This could provide more directives for disaster managers to plan measures and policies to improve the effectiveness of risk reduction activities. Raise awareness of the community on impact of flood, increase of public participation in flood management, and strict solid waste management should be implemented.

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