Subjective dimensions of social vulnerability to risk in inhabitants of areas exposed to flood hazards in Iquique, Chile

Abstract

The research investigates the subjective dimensions of social vulnerability of risk in inhabitants of areas exposed to flood hazards in Iquique, Chile, during the period 2019-2020. The methodology is qualitative with a case study design. The data are collected through semi-structured interviews, using the grounded theory coding process as an analysis strategy while the sample is made of 15 participants. The results are grouped into three categories: (1) actions against risk, (2) vulnerability to risk and (3) authority management. This information accounts for subjective conditions to which a differentiated evaluation is assigned, according to the perception of agentic characteristics/conditions of susceptibility and/or coping capabilities that a certain group has in a specific territorial area. Finally, the importance of promoting multidisciplinary interventions and studies that incorporate the subjective dimensions of the social vulnerability of risk, the characteristics of the territories, the environmental impact, the dangers and geological risks in the regulatory plans is postulated, which allow the authorities and communities to make better decisions in possible scenarios to promote and strengthen the understanding and reaction of communities in the post-disaster phase.

Keywords

• amenazas naturales
• ordenamiento territorial
• vulnerabilidad
• chile