Assessment and Mitigation of Flood Risk in Urban Settlement: A Case of Ethekwini Metropolitan Area

Flooding is one of the most destructive natural hazards globally, with impacts intensified by climate change and systemic gaps in disaster risk governance. This study assesses the vulnerability of the eThekwini Metropolitan Area (EMA) in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, to recurrent flood disasters. Using an indicator-based methodology, the research analyses quantitative data across five dimensions: socio-economic, physical, health and wellbeing, institutional and governance, and environmental factors. The aim is to identify structural weaknesses and inform inclusive, long-term mitigation strategies. In April 2022, KwaZulu-Natal experienced a devastating flood disaster that illustrates the region’s exposure and fragility to floods, leading to a 0.7% drop in national GDP, disrupted manufacturing and agriculture, and reversed post-COVID economic recovery. EMA’s coastal location, prevalence of informal settlements, and limited infrastructure amplify its flood risk. Findings reveal inadequate preparedness, slow recovery, unequal distribution of incentives, and prolonged lack of essential services, such as clean water and healthcare, in affected communities. The research highlights how climate-induced hazards compound vulnerabilities, affecting livelihoods, public health, and service delivery. Institutional fragmentation and reactive planning hinder effective risk reduction. The study recommends a multi-stakeholder approach to flood mitigation, emphasising coordinated governance, equitable recovery, and proactive investment in resilient infrastructure and community engagement. This research contributes a localised vulnerability assessment framework and actionable insights for urban flood mitigation in climate-sensitive regions. By integrating diverse vulnerability indicators and emphasising inclusive planning, it offers a strategic foundation for enhancing resilience and reducing future flood impacts in South Africa’s urban settlements.