Climate Change, Flood Disasters, and Household Vulnerability: Evidence from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Résumé

Floods are among the most frequent and destructive environmental hazards in South Africa, with their impacts increasingly intensified by climate change.In April 2022, KwaZulu-Natal experienced one of the most severe flood events in its history, resulting in significant loss of life, widespread displacement, and extensive damage to infrastructure.This study examines the effects of the floods on vulnerable households, with particular attention to the ways in which socio-economic and spatial inequalities exacerbate disaster risk.A qualitative case study design was employed, drawing on data from semi-structured interviews with 34 participants residing in urban, peri-urban, and informal settlements.Data were collected between January and June 2023 and analysed using thematic analysis.The findings reveal three dominant patterns: extensive destruction of housing and loss of essential household assets; disproportionate exposure of socio-economically disadvantaged groups to flood-related risks; and disruption of critical services, including water supply, sanitation, and electricity.The results indicate that households already marginalised by poverty, insecure housing, and limited access to basic services experienced the greatest challenges in coping with and recovering from the disaster.The study highlights the urgent need for enhanced disaster preparedness, inclusive climate adaptation strategies, and strengthened early warning systems to better protect vulnerable populations.These findings contribute to the literature on climate-related disasters in sub-Saharan Africa and offer evidence to inform policy interventions aimed at strengthening resilience in flood-prone communities.

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