CBPM Conference 2026 · Vol. 2026, Issue 1

Exploring the disasters that occur in informal settlements: A case study on the lived experiences of the residents

Nelly Busisiwe Ntuli and Justus Ngala Agumba

Keywords: Disaster risk reduction; Informal settlements; Lived experiences; Vulnerability; Resilience; South Africa

Abstract

The study explores the nature and impact of disasters occurring in informal settlements, focusing on the lived experience of residents. This study explores how environmental, social, and infrastructural vulnerabilities shape disaster occurrence and responses in informal settlements, addressing the limited understanding of residents’ lived experiences of disaster risks. A qualitative case study approach was adopted, using in-depth semi-structured interviews with 20 purposively selected participants. Data were collected in line with ethical protocols, including informed consent, and analysed using thematic analysis to identify patterns of vulnerability and coping strategies. Data collection continued until saturation was achieved. Residents experience recurring hazards such as flooding, fires, and disease outbreaks, intensified by inadequate housing, poor service delivery, and weak institutional support. Despite these conditions, strong community-based coping mechanisms and informal support networks enhance local resilience. The findings provide context-specific insights consistent with existing literature on disaster vulnerability and resilience in informal settlements. The study focuses on a single informal settlement, limiting generalisability; however, the findings offer transferable insights for similar contexts. The study contributes to understanding the interplay between vulnerability and resilience in disaster-prone informal settlements. The study highlights the need for targeted disaster risk reduction strategies, including improved drainage systems, housing upgrades, and enhanced service delivery. Effective implementation requires collaboration among local government, NGOs, and community leaders, with interventions structured across shortand long-term planning horizons.