Study on Community Settlement Resilience in Flood-Prone Areas of Batu Bara Regency Using an Environmental Adaptation Approach

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the resilience of community settlements in flood-prone areas in Kwala Sikasim Village, Sei Balai District, Batu Bara Regency, using an environmental adaptation approach. Frequent flooding in this region has resulted in significant losses across various aspects of community life, including housing, economy, and health. Therefore, this research examines how communities adapt to environmentally vulnerable conditions and identifies strategies that can enhance their resilience. This study employs a descriptive method with both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Data were collected through surveys involving 175 respondents, in-depth interviews with policymakers, and field observations. The analysis technique used is SWOT analysis to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in the community’s flood adaptation efforts. The findings reveal that the community has implemented various adaptation strategies, such as elevating houses, independently constructing embankments, and altering livelihood patterns. However, there are still challenges, including economic limitations and inadequate flood control infrastructure. The SWOT analysis indicates that although the community has a relatively high awareness of flood risks, they remain highly dependent on government assistance for post-disaster recovery. Therefore, there is a need for increased investment in flood control infrastructure, strengthening early warning systems, and continuous public education on disaster mitigation. With the implementation of appropriate strategies and support from various stakeholders, the resilience of settlements in flood-prone areas can be significantly improved.