Dynamics of Community Resilience in Flood-prone Areas of Southeast Asia: A Key Component of the Public Health Agenda

Abstract

Communities across Southeast Asia face challenges posed by natural disasters, including floods, which disproportionately impact vulnerable populations. In light of the growing frequency and severity of extreme weather events attributed to climate change, there is a pressing need to explore and strengthen community flood resilience. Community resilience is pivotal in mitigating flood-related damages and fostering successful recovery efforts. This paper examines the socio-economic and environmental factors shaping community resilience in flood-prone areas of Southeast Asia. Socio-demographic determinants, exposure to floods, social cohesion, communication networks, socio-economic status, and cultural diversity significantly influence resilience capabilities, with disparities exacerbating socio-economic inequality. The interplay of these factors underscores the complexity of community disaster resilience, with some factors acting as moderators, mediators, or confounders in shaping outcomes. The paper highlights that understanding the dynamics of community resilience formation is imperative for informed policy interventions to enhance disaster preparedness and response in flood-prone areas of Southeast Asia. The contributors to flood resilience are interrelated with social determinants of health, underscoring the vital role of broader socio-economic and environmental factors in shaping community well-being. Future research should explore the relationships within these complex dynamics to guide effective resilience-building strategies tailored to local contexts.