Enhancing regional resilience: assessing tidal flood vulnerability and adaptation strategies in a coastal community

Abstract

Abstract This study aims to assess the vulnerability of communities in Sungai Pauh, Sungai Pauh Pusaka, and Sungai Pauh Tanjung, Langsa, Aceh Province to tidal flooding, and understand their adaptation strategies and the main socio-economic and environmental contributors to vulnerability. A mixed methods approach combines quantitative vulnerability index calculations with qualitative data from interviews. We assessed the vulnerability index using secondary data sources (population density, gender, vulnerable age, poor population, and disabled population) to evaluate the vulnerability of communities. The 34 key informants represent various levels of society, including village officials, government employees, and the community. High social vulnerability was identified, related to population density, gender, age, poverty, and disability, while economic vulnerability was low due to dependence on fishing. The recommendations include knowledge dissemination, public awareness campaigns, the formation of community groups for flood relief, and infrastructure development, with a focus on channel reconstruction to increase resilience and reduce the impact of tidal floods.