In the heart of Malawi’s capital, Lilongwe, a pressing issue has been quietly reshaping the urban landscape: flooding. But a recent study, published in the journal ‘UCL Open Environment’ (which translates to ‘Open Environmental Science’), is shedding new light on how buildings in low-income settlements are faring against these watery onslaughts. The research, led by Chresceuntia Matambo Msasa from the Land Surveying and Physical Planning Department at the Malawi University of Business and Applied Science, is challenging conventional wisdom and offering fresh insights that could reshape urban planning and disaster management strategies.
Msasa’s study, which focused on the Biwi and Kawale 1 settlements, is a departure from the norm. While most research has zoomed out to subnational scales or relied on models with inherent uncertainties, Msasa’s team got up close and personal, examining the physical vulnerability of buildings to flooding. Their findings are a wake-up call for urban planners and disaster management officials.
The study revealed that the physical vulnerability of buildings to flooding is influenced by a variety of exposure factors, with building typology and floodwater depth emerging as key players. “We found that buildings constructed using fired bricks with cement mortar walls and cement floors had low vulnerability,” Msasa explained. “On the other hand, buildings constructed using fired bricks in mud mortar walls and cement floors had high vulnerability.” The research also highlighted the importance of protective measures, with buildings featuring high foundations showing lower vulnerability.
The commercial implications of this research are significant, particularly for the energy sector. Flooding can disrupt energy infrastructure, leading to power outages and economic losses. By understanding the physical vulnerability of buildings, energy companies can better assess risks and invest in resilient infrastructure. Moreover, the study’s findings could inform the design of future buildings, reducing the need for costly repairs and downtime.
Msasa’s study also underscores the importance of local, granular research. “Flood vulnerability studies should be conducted in other flood-prone cities of Malawi to support effective citywide urban planning and disaster risk management,” Msasa urged. This call to action could pave the way for more targeted, effective strategies to mitigate flood risks.
The study’s findings are a clarion call for a shift in approach. Rather than focusing solely on stream reserves as a preventive measure, Msasa advocates for the construction of buildings using flood-resistant materials and with high enough foundations in flood-prone areas. This proactive approach could significantly reduce urban flood risk and protect communities.
As Lilongwe continues to grow and develop, the lessons from Msasa’s research will be invaluable. By embracing these insights, the city can build a more resilient future, one that is better equipped to weather the storms—and floods—that lie ahead.