CAUSES, SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACTS AND COPING STRATEGIES OF URBAN FLOODING IN CHELENKO TOWN, META WOREDA, EAST HARARGHE, OROMIA REGIONAL STATE, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Urban flooding is a prevalent issue worldwide, particularly in developing countries with rapidly increasing urban populations. Ethiopia is no exception, and flooding has devastating impacts on people's lives and safety. This study analyzes the causes and socioeconomic effects of flooding in Chelenko town, Meta woreda. It also identifies coping strategies, maps flood hazards, and provides guidance on early measures to reduce livelihood impact of flood. The research employed a descriptive survey design, integrating quantitative and qualitative approach. A sample of 304 households was selected using simple random sampling for surveys, complemented by data from KIIs, FGDs, field observations, and document reviews. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, and averages, while MCE integrated with GIS was utilized to develop a flood hazard map. This study shows that flood hazards in Chelenko town is caused by a combination of natural and human-made factors such as a lack of drainage systems (27.9%), heavy rainfall (20.4%), poor drainage lines (14.3%), improper waste disposal (11.7%), land use change (8.8%), and urban expansion (8.6%). These factors have impacted on housing equipment (28.1%), damage to houses (24.2%), different health problems (19.5%), damage to infrastructure (13.2%), loss of incomes (10.2%), temporary displacement from homes (4.1%), and loss of life and injuries (0.8%). To cope with these issues, people in the area have employed a range of strategies, such as digging new ditches, diverting waterways, filling sacks with sand, collecting and throwing water, and safeguarding valuable properties. The study also developed a flood hazard map of the study area, highlighting areas with high (41.46%), moderate (38.8%) and low (19.74%) susceptibility to flooding. Based on the findings, the study recommends appropriate strategies to bring flood resilience in the case site such as building and improving drainage infrastructures, guiding town expansion by plan, proper public waste disposal, applying early warning systems, and identifying the flood-susceptible zone.