eprintid: 3886
rev_number: 4
eprint_status: archive
userid: 1
dir: disk0/00/00/38/86
datestamp: 2022-07-14 12:04:02
lastmod: 2022-07-14 12:04:02
status_changed: 2022-07-14 12:04:02
type: thesis
metadata_visibility: show
sword_depositor: 1
creators_name: Dings, Kees
creators_id: S3492362
creators_email: k-dings@hotmail.nl
title: Flood preparedness and community resilience in Southern Limburg
ispublished: unpub
full_text_status: public
abstract: Local communities surrounding the Maas in South-Limburg have dealt with flood risks for generations. In
1993 and 1995 the Maas reached critical high water levels, which caused large-scale flood disasters. As a
response, powerful flood defenses were installed under the ‘grensmaas’ plan. However, climate change
developments in the past decades, resulting in more frequent and intensive rainfall patterns, have ensured
that not all flood risks are taken away, despite the presence of these engineered defense systems.

With regard to the possibility of future floods, this research aims to assess social impacts of past
flood events, and flood preparedness through examining the development of implemented preparedness
measures in governance (social resilience), and community resilience building strategies over time to see
what elements did – or did not – contribute to disaster risk reduction. The paper then investigates if, how and
to what extent community resilience building strategies are incorporated and strengthened in these
preparedness measures.

A qualitative research approach was adopted in which both inhabitants and planners engaged in the
implementation or creation process of preparedness measures were interviewed. Results were triangulated
using document and media analysis. It was found that community resilience is decreasing, as local
communities underestimate the risks due to increased sense of safety the flood defense systems and
thoroughly adapted preparedness measures have brought along. A sense of urgency to engage in flood
preparedness or community resilience seems to be lacking among inhabitants, especially within newcomers.
Community resilience building strategies are incorporated in the preparedness measures, but remain
largely passive. Finally, this research proposes three policy recommendations for preparedness measures to
actively enhance community resilience through promoting the sense of urgency within Maas communities
date: 2021
pages: 31
thesis_type: bachelor
degree_programme: SGP
tutors_name: Imperiale, A.J.
tutors_organization: Fac. Ruimtelijke wetenschappen, Basiseenheid Culturele Geografie
tutors_email: A.J.Imperiale@rug.nl
security: public
keywords_local: floods
keywords_local: flood preparedness
keywords_local: preparedness measures
keywords_local: social impact assessment
keywords_local: community resilience
keywords_local: social resilience
keywords_local: disaster risk reduction
language_iso: en
date_issued: 2022-07-13
citation:   Dings, Kees  (2021) Flood preparedness and community resilience in Southern Limburg.  Bachelor thesis.   
document_url: https://frw.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/3886/1/Bachelor%20Thesis%20Kees%20Dings-Final%20Version.pdf