‘‘The Lived Experiences of Individuals Affected by the Flooding: A

Qualitative Study’’

A Qualitative Research Presented to

The Senior High School Department of
Mati National Comprehensive High School

In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the
Practical Research 1 Course

Base, Juliana Mae C.

Basiliso, Ainon B.
Enad, Hazel Ross S.
Madanlo, Charlyn B.
Maldo, Kay Shaira V.
Marianito, Candace Erica M.
Montales, John Michael B.
Patoc, Angelika G.

February 2024
 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

This chapter introduces the background of the study, purpose of the study,

research question, theoretical lens, significance of the study, delimitation and

limitation of the study, and organization of the study.

Background of the study

Floods is a significant issue that poses a threat to human lives,

properties, and the environment. Floods occur when there is an overflow of water

onto normally dry land, often caused by heavy rainfall, melting snow, or dam

failures. These natural disasters can have devastating consequences, leading to

loss of life, displacement of people, destruction of infrastructure, and damage to

crops and livestock. One of the main challenges with floods is their

unpredictability (Living with Risk 2006:6). They can occur suddenly and without

warning, leaving little time for preparation and evacuation. This puts communities

at risk, especially those living in flood-prone areas.

Large floods in densely populated towns or cities, especially those which

occur with little warning are most likely to cause the most severe impacts. This

can pose threat to the health of people and animals, it also can increase the risk

of contracting waterborne diseases, in the agricultural sector, flooding can ruin

crops, delay harvests, spoil produce, remove or contaminate valuable topsoil and

cause death of livestock (government of South Australia).

 The frequency of natural disaster has been increasing over the years,

resulting in loss of life, damage to property and destruction of the environment

[ Living with Risk 2006;6]. The number of people at risk has been growing each

year and the majority are in developing countries with high poverty levels making

them more vulnerable to disaster (Living with Risk, 2006). Floods are caused by

rivers over flow, rivers can overflow their banks and this happens when there is

more water upstream than usual as it flows downstream to the adjacent low-lying

areas, water gets into the land [Barrows and De Bruin 2006]. Damaged

watersheds, a massive slum population dwelling in the upper echelons of natural

streams, and a complete disregard for the city's drainage infrastructure all

contribute to the chaos, uncertain happens, and extreme vulnerability of this

nearly 15-million-person metropolis to sudden, intense flooding episodes (Badilla,

2008).

In the same manner, several studies have explored the impacts of floods

on individuals and communities, there remains a gap in understanding the exact

and multifaceted lived experiences of flood victims. Existing research often

focuses on immediate outcomes and physical damages, neglecting the long-term

emotional, psychological, and social effects. This study delves deeper into the

personal experiences of flood survivors could provide valuable insights into their

coping mechanisms, resilience, and unmet needs, offering a more holistic

understanding of the long-lasting impacts of floods on individuals and

communities. Moreover, the researchers become interested in studying about the

impact of floods in Mati city, (IFRC, 2022) stated that these floods events have
great social and economic consequences, the loss of lives, damage to properties

and infrastructure, health and livelihood.

Purpose of the study

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of flood in the

community and also on the individual’s household. How they manage to survive

in the flood? To investigate what are the effect of the flood for the mental health

of the victims. Knowing the methods of the flood victims on how they managed to

survive during that moment. This study explores the traumatic experiences of the

flood victims. To know what are the remedies of the trauma that individual

experienced. To investigate the solutions and remedies of the flood victims on

how to overcome the flood.

Research question

1. What is the impact of flooding on the individuals’ households?

2. How do floods impact the daily lives and mental well-being of affected

communities?

3. What are the most effective strategies for mitigating flood risk and

reducing flood damage?

Theoretical Framework

According to Merz et al. (2010), there are two fundamental forms of flood

damage: direct and indirect. Direct damage refers to the immediate harm caused

by the physical interaction of floodwater with humans or objects. This could

include destruction of crops, deterioration of product quality, and soil damage due
to pollutants or erosion. On the other hand, indirect damage occurs to elements

not directly exposed to floodwater but interconnected with those that experienced

direct damage. This type of damage may manifest outside the flood event and

can have far-reaching consequences. In the context of agriculture, for instance,

indirect damage might affect supply chains, market prices, or even community

infrastructure.

This theory on flood damage can serve as a foundational framework for

comprehensively understanding the multifaceted impacts of floods on victims. By

categorizing damage into direct and indirect forms, the theory enables

researchers to delve into the immediate and secondary consequences

experienced by individuals and communities affected. Moreover, by recognizing

both direct and indirect forms of flood damage, this theory provides a

comprehensive framework for understanding the full scope of impacts associated

with flooding events. Understanding both direct and indirect effects, researchers

can analyze vulnerability factors, resilience strategies, and mitigation measures

to inform policies and interventions aimed at reducing the impact of floods on

victims. This theory also offers a comprehensive framework for conducting

research on flood impacts and informing strategies to support affected

populations.

A theoretical framework proposed by Parker et al. (1987), Tapsell et al.

(2009), and Shultz et al. (2013) offers a structured approach to understanding the

temporal dynamics of disaster impact on mental health. This framework

categorizes influencing factors into distinct phases of the disaster cycle, namely
preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation. By organizing these factors

into specific phases, the framework offers researchers a clear perspective on

how various variables interact with mental health outcomes at different stages of

a disaster. This framework also provides a lens through which to analyze the

evolving relationship between variables and mental health outcomes

This systematic categorization allows researchers to align data collection

efforts with the different phases, enabling comprehensive examination of the

temporal evolution of mental health impacts. For instance, researchers can

assess immediate distress during the flood event, as well as long-term

psychological resilience and recovery strategies. Such a structured approach not

only reduces the complexity of the data but also facilitates clearer interpretation

of findings. Furthermore, it guides the development of targeted intervention

strategies tailored to specific phases of the disaster cycle, ultimately enhancing

the effectiveness of mental health support services for disaster-affected

populations.

Our analysis is framed in the context of Protection Motivation Theory,

which we discuss in the following portion of the paper. Our goals are to

comprehend local flood experiences, people’s perceptions of their future risk, and

the adaptive actions they have been taking to lower that risk (Environ. Sci. Pol.,

2014). We base our analysis on the cautious comment mentioned earlier as well

as the cautions regarding the possibility of considerable future displacement. In

addition to field observations, focus groups, and key informant interviews in

coastal zones known to have occasionally experienced dangerous flooding in

addition to less severe flooding more frequently, we also draw from the literature

on risk assessment and adaptation related to climate change International

(Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 2017). As a result, every person surveyed

for this study was at risk of flooding (Ocean Coast Manag, 2009). Vulnerability

related to these settlement patterns is projected to worsen given the country’s

structural issues, deforestation, growing population, pressure on lowland areas,

and other issues (Human and Policy Dimensions, 2014). Thus, it is believed that

there is a very serious chance of widespread human displacement, and several

governmental levels are starting to pay more attention to it (J.E. Maddux et al.,

1983).

Significance of the study

This study is important because it evaluates and quantifies the impact of

the floods on the socioeconomic livelihoods of the community, the study is

significant. The study also aims to determine the root causes of the community’s

members’ susceptibility. More significantly, it is anticipated that the study’s results

will be crucial in helping to create long-term mitigation strategies that will lessen

the effects of floods and the hazards they bring with them.

Flood Victims: The study can help this beneficiary by providing validation for

their experience, providing insights into coping strategies, and facilitating

connections with other flood victims who can offer assistance. The results of the

study can also guide initiatives and policies that better meet the needs of flood

victims, resulting in enhanced support networks. By assisting the beneficiary in

developing coping mechanisms for upcoming obstacles and finding significance

in their experience, taking part in the study can also promote resilience and

personal growth.

Future Researchers: The researchers stand to gain expertise in qualitative

research techniques and data processing, which will further develop their

careers. Their work has the potential to yield new insights and future research

paths in the field of disaster studies, particularly with regard to the lived

experience of flood victims. The study's conclusions can also be utilized to

support initiatives and policy modifications that better assist flood victims,

improving the lives of communities affected by natural disasters.

Scope and Delimitation of the Study

This study aims to explore the physical, mental, and economic effects of

flooding on victims in Mati City by examining data from past flood events. It will

utilize a targeted sample of flood victims, employing surveys and interviews to

collect both quantitative and qualitative data. This historical approach enables an

analysis of the long-term impacts of flooding. However, the study is limited by its

reliance on historical data, which may not.

Definition of terms

Lived experience - lived experience is the knowledge and understanding you

get when you have personally lived through something. For mind, a person with

lived experience is someone with personal experience of mental health

problems.
Flooding - flooding is an overflowing of water onto land that is normally dry. The

undation of a normally dry area caused by rising water in an existing waterway,

such as river, stream, or drainage ditch. Ponding of water at or near the point

where the rain fell.

Individuals - An individual is that which exists as a distinct entity. Individuality (or

self-hood) is the state or quality of living as an individual; particularly (in the case

of humans) of as a person unique from other people and possessing one's own

needs or goals, rights and responsibilities.

 CHAPTER 2

REVIEW RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter looked at prior and pertinent research, including theories,

reports, and conclusions. This was added to the chapter to help readers become

familiar with information that is pertinent to and related to the current subject.

The causes of floods can be roughly classified into two categories,

according to Nott (2006) physical factors like climatological forces and human

impacts like vegetation removal and urban growth. Floods are mostly caused by

climate change, particularly by rainfall. Around the world, the most frequent

source of floods is extended periods of precipitation. These occurrences are

typically linked to multiple days, weeks, or months of nonstop rain. The way

rivers are caught up by humans affects how floods behave. Floods' intensity and

behavior are directly impacted by changes in land use, in particular. Increased

runoff and frequently a decline in channel capacity as a result of higher

sedimentation rates are the outcomes of deforestation. Nott (2006:60) went on to

say that one of the main reasons for concrete loss in floods is physical harm to

property. This covers the price of repairing property damage, lost revenue or
services following flooding, and cleanup expenses. Certain effects of floods are

difficult to quantify financially since they are intangible. Increased levels of

physical, emotional, and psychological health issues among flood victims are

often considered intangible losses.

A significant flood can cause billions of pesos' worth of damages to

buildings, roads, bridges, and other economic infrastructure. It can also result in

the loss of animals and agricultural products, as well as a reduction in

productivity in trade, business, and industry. Incalculable human casualties

directly related to floods are added to this, along with the suffering and related

economical issues of forced relocation of people and the psychological effects on

individuals impacted by the flood (PAG-ASA, 20). We provided a local early

warning system that is adaptable, reliable, and reasonably priced so that local

government entities may use it to prevent flood-related damage and losses and

to allow communities to react to warning signals. in a suitable and prompt

manner. As a result, material commodities can be protected and evacuations can

be started. Thus, a thorough and long-lasting contribution to local catastrophe

risk management was made (GIDRM, 2018).

According to Doocy, S., et al. (2013), floods are the most frequent natural

catastrophe and the primary global source of fatalities from natural disasters.

Given deforestation and the growing number of people living closer to

lakeshores, river basins, and coastal areas, there is a considerable risk of

catastrophic losses from floods. The review's goals were to characterize how

floods affect human populations in terms of death, injury, and relocation and, to
the greatest extent feasible, to pinpoint risk factors linked to these

consequences.

Floods have and continue to pose significant threats to communities in the

USA (Cigler

2017; Consoer and Milman 2017; Sadiq 2017; Sadiq and Noonan 2015a, b). In

fact, of all the natural hazards, foods are the costliest and result in the most lives

lost and property damage (Cigler 2017; Kick et al. 2011). Recent disasters,

including the 2016 Louisiana foods as well as Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and

Maria, illustrate the devastating impacts foods can have on local communities in

the USA (National Weather Service 2017).

The devastation caused by these disasters and others stems from the

interaction of the physical, social, built, and political environments (Brody et al.

2011). Indeed, persistent development along the US coastlines and food plains

coupled with increased precipitation and rising sea levels has exacerbated

communities’ food risks (Bouwer 2011; Brody et al. 2010). Furthermore, scholars

argue that federal food policies and programs in the USA are costly, inefective,

and have inadvertently encouraged development in high-risk food zones (Cigler

2017; Strother 2016). The US National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), for

example, subsidizes the costs associated with living and doing business in high-

risk food zones at the expense of taxpayers (Strother 2016).

Kundzewicz et al. (2002) claim that one element raising the risk of flooding

is the economic development of areas susceptible to flooding. Flood plains are

being encroached upon due to population pressure and land scarcity. In

industrialized nations, mushrooming informal communities frequently create

expansion zones around megacities. According to Bankoff (2003), flooding is a

historical risk in the Philippines. Holmes reported in the Sunday Post on October

26, 2008, that as the negative effects of climate change worsen, more people are

becoming displaced due to natural disasters. These days, climate change plays a

factor in nine out of ten disasters that have been documented. Up to 50 million

people are thought to be displaced annually due to floods, hurricanes, tsunamis,

earthquakes, and other natural disasters worldwide slippage of land. As the

victims of hurricane Mitch in Central America in 1998 know all too well, the

effects of even a sudden initial displacement can persist for generations, along

with a long-term need for clean water, shelter, health care, and other essential

amenities. Rich countries are not exempt, either. There were still thousands of

people living in makeshift shelters two years after Hurricane Katrina. One of the

biggest problems the world is currently facing, according to Hanson et al. (2007),

is alleviating poverty. Most impoverished people in the world reside in rural

areas. When essential rural infrastructure is destroyed by natural disasters,

poverty increases. According to Borrows and De Bruin (2006), rivers can exceed

their banks when there is an unusually high amount of water upstream, which

results in floods water seeps into the soil as it travels downstream to the nearby

low-lying areas. Furthermore, they said that powerful gusts near the coast could

push water inland and result in flooding. Floods are the most deadly type of

hydrometeorological disaster in the United States, according to Zahiran et al.

(2008). They noticed that floods could result from dam failure. Man-made blocks
called dams are erected to capture water that cascades from a highland. The

water's strength.

Adamson (1983), states that extreme events such as floods over Southern Africa

have resulted in loss of life, massive damage to property, crops and livestock and

disrupted communications. The risk of such events at any point in the sub-

continent may be small but their occurrence within the total sub-continental

space has been historically quite frequent.

Anywhere in the United States that sees a lot of precipitation, waves

from the ocean coming ashore, rapid snowmelt, or the failure of dams or levees

can be extremely vulnerable to flooding (U.S. Department of Commerce, National

Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, and Office of Oceanic & Atmosphere

Research). According to National Geographic Partner (2017), floods claim the

lives of approximately 140 people in the United States each year. The

devastating flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey in Houston serves as a timely

reminder that floods are the most common natural disaster globally and the

cause of the greatest number of fatalities in the country.

Floods harm property, disrupt economic activity, and jeopardize the lives

and health of people as well as the environment and cultural heritage. While it is

impossible to completely stop flooding, the authors can evaluate the level of risk

associated with flooding by first calculating the amount of damage caused by

floods. It is desirable to estimate the flood risks, especially when proposing

efficient flood-protection systems (M, Zeleňáková et al., 2017).

 According to Know Risk (2005:74), research indicates that the financial

consequences of natural the number of disasters has been steadily increasing

over the past few decades. The risks usually strike communities in developing

nations, particularly those with the least developed economies, growing their

susceptibility and, occasionally, reversing their social and economic

advancement by decades. The Floods have resulted in fatalities, the devastation

of social and commercial infrastructure, and degradation of ecosystems that are

already delicate. According to the study, social impacts consist of shifts in the

environment, health, governmental institutions, community, way of life, and

culture and well-being, their rights as individuals and as property, as well as their

hopes and worries.

The most frequent natural disaster nowadays is flooding, which presents

a serious threat to human society. It is imperative to take into account the impact

of urbanization on flood risk in order to mitigate flood hazards and develop

rational land planning tactics at the municipal level. (Yuqing Li et al., 2024). The

frequency of floods is rising globally, but little is known about the negative effects

that the remobilization and dispersal of pollutants during flood occurrences can

have on the environment, the economy, and society. Important direct

repercussions of floods include loss of life, destruction of infrastructure, and

financial expenditures related to cleanup. Nevertheless, given the known

hazardous nature of the pollutants that are remobilized and redistributed after

such catastrophic flood occurrences, there is a dearth of attention paid to the

indirect impacts of these pollutants. (Crawford at Al., 2022).

 Theodore and Simon (1967) state that in areas subject to frequent

meteorological events such as hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones, floods occur

more frequently and have a more devastating effect due to the rivers' inability to

contain the high flows brought down from the upper catchment areas after heavy

rains. Doreen (2003) adds that in addition to geological factors, human activities

such as deforestation also contribute to decreased hilltop stability. She goes on

to say that a combination of topographical, geological, and climatological factors,

such as heavy rains, cause floods. Antonio (2006), on the other hand, contends

that human activity, such as population pressure, urbanization, environmental

degradation, and changes in land use, is directly linked to flood catastrophe,

increasing an area's susceptibility to natural disasters. regarding the years, there

has been significant worry regarding the temptation to colonize the flood plains.

Significant socioeconomic effects of floods include population displacement, loss

of livelihoods, and infrastructure destruction (Johnson, 2016; Garcia et al., 2019).

The elderly and other vulnerable groups are disproportionately impacted (Garcia

et al., 2019).

According to Smith and Ward (1998), direct losses from floods happen

right away because of the physical contract that the floodwaters make with

people and property that is susceptible to destruction. On the other hand, indirect

losses—which frequently occur over extended periods of time and are harder to

link to the actual disaster—might be just as significant, if not more so. Losses are

classified as physical or intangible depending on whether they can be valued

monetarily. In Least Developed Countries (LDCs), where frequent and

devastating floods create unique impacts for the survivors, indirect and intangible

consequences of flooding are likely greatest. Some of the most significant direct

consequences of flooding are intangible, such as the loss of human life or the

ensuing poor health of the survivors.

After floods, there is a notably high number of homeless people

recorded because of the homes' susceptibility to rain and flooding, which

frequently results in significant infrastructural damage involving harm to

highways, railroads, airports, power grids, water supplies, and disposal

techniques for sewage. River-crossing bridges are especially vulnerable to

damage and interruption. of transportation networks, flooding's financial

consequences are frequently far more than the actual deluge (Parker 2000).

Floods can have significant impacts on public health, leading to an

increased risk of waterborne diseases and mental health issues. (Smith & Lee,

2018). When floodwaters inundate communities, they can contaminate water

sources, leading to the spread of diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever, and

hepatitis A. Moreover, the aftermath of floods can contribute to mental health

problems. (Smith & Lee, 2018).

Stanke, C. (2012) conducted a review which highlights the psychosocial

effects of flooding on individuals of all ages. The review also shows that

secondary stressors play a significant role in exacerbating or precipitating mental

health problems. Distressing experiences that most people have during or after

disasters can be difficult to distinguish from symptoms of common mental

disorders. Therefore, it is important to reduce the impact of primary and

secondary stressors on those affected by flooding and to use narrative

approaches to distinguish distress from mental disorders. The majority of the

literature focuses on post-traumatic stress disorder, while diagnosable

depressive and anxiety disorders and substance misuse are under-represented

in the published data need specialized mental health care. Lastly, there are some

methodological issues that come up when studying the effects of floods on

psychosocial and mental health, as well as when analyzing and contrasting data.

CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents the methods that have been utilized in this study to

explore the Lived Experiences of individuals affected by the flooding.

Research Design

In this study, researchers used a qualitative research design, particularly

phenomenological study approach. The phenomenological approach is a type of

qualitative inquiry that places more emphasis on the lived and experienced

features of a given construct—that is, how the phenomenon is experienced at the

moment it occurs—than on the interpretations or meanings that are later applied

to it (Nelson, 2011). The phenomenological approach was used by the

researcher for it delves into the subjective experiences and perspectives of

individuals to understand phenomena. In the context of studying the effects of

flooding to the individuals, this approach helps researchers explore the lived

experiences and gain insights. By conducting interviews and observations, the

researcher can uncover how flooding affects individuals. Through it, the

researcher will able to understand how those individuals lived when flooding

occurs and what are the things they do to mitigate the impact of flooding.

Research Locale

Mati National Comprehensive High School student’s is the Research

Locale of the study. The complete location of the study is on Barangay Sainz,

Manga Street, Mati City, Davao Oriental, Philippines.

Role of the Researcher

The researcher's function in this study is intricate and multidimensional.

The researcher is in charge of designing and executing the study, gathering and

evaluating data, and interpreting and analyzing the results. It is the responsibility

of the researcher to actively interact with participants and the research process in

order to gain a thorough understanding of the phenomena under study, rather

than only to observe and collect data.

Some specific roles of the researcher in qualitative research include:

1.Gathering Data: It is the researcher's responsibility to gather data using a

variety of techniques, including document analysis, focus groups, interviews, and

observation.

2.Designing the study: Creating the research questions, choosing the best

qualitative research techniques, and creating the study protocol are all the

responsibility of the researcher.

3.Analyzing data: The researcher is in charge of analyzing the data collected,

which includes organizing and categorizing the data, discovering patterns and

themes, and interpreting the results.

Research Participants

Participants were chosen from among the senior high school students at Mati

National Comprehensive High School who were affected by the flood. Students

who were at least 16 to 18 years old were the participants in our study. Just

before the interview, our provided written informed consent and was purposefully

chosen. In order to distribute the possible study participants, the researcher must

have permission from the principal by writing a letter. The principal gave the

researcher permission to interview the following respondents, and in exchange,

the researchers asked for willing subjects who would be a good fit for their study.

In order to help the participant selection and documentation of variable is

important, the researchers asked the participants to respond to their queries.

With the approval of the principal, researcher conducted an interview of the

following respondents and asked for a voluntary participant who fit to the study of

the researchers. The participants were asked to have answer the questions of

the researchers, to help the researcher select the participants and document the

number of variable participants. The researcher conducted an interview

approximately 6 participants.

Data Collection
 Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were used to get the data.

students are asked to describe their experiences as flood victims and the

difficulties they faced, with the interviews centered on the perspectives of the

participants. Key questions were posed and the steps of the journey were

deconstructed into detail. In accordance with the statements made by the

participants, more probing decided upon in consultation with the participants.

Whole interviews were taped, converted into audio files, and uploaded to the

computer. Data gathering proceeded until data saturation was achieved, or until

the interviews yielded no more information.

Trustworthiness

An essential component of qualitative research is data reliability.

Credibility, transferability, reliability, and confirmability are its four dimensions that

we thoroughly examined. In order to effectively portray the occurrence of flood

disasters, several components need to be reinforced. The correctness of the

data's interpretation and its authenticity were ensured through member vetting.

The results of the analysis were available for each participant to review.

Transcripts of interviews were appended to the full manuscript in order to prove

transferability, or the extent to which the findings may be applied to diverse

settings. Transferability leaves a paper trail that other researchers can utilize to

get ideas for using this study's findings.

Ethical Consideration
 Throughout the investigation, the researcher made sure that ethics

remained the first concern. The methodology described in this chapter includes

the following steps: data analysis, data immersion, topic discovery, category

construction, interpretation, and validation of findings. We carefully considered its

four dimensions: confirmability, dependability, credibility, and transferability.

Every participant was interviewed by the researcher. A crucial tenet of qualitative

research is the reliability of the data. To depict the phenomenon of adolescent

pregnancy accurately, these elements must be strengthened. Every participant

had the opportunity to examine the analysis's results. To guarantee confirmability

(objectivity of data) and dependability (stability of data over time and conditions),

independent expert auditing was carried out. Among the strategies to guarantee

credibility. Moreover, transferability verifies that interview subjects have relevant

experience to talk about the phenomena the researcher is trying to investigate.

Confirmability was developed to guarantee the absence of bias. Because the

topic of this study was not exclusive to it, transferability was unrestricted.

Member checking guaranteed credibility, or the belief in the veracity of the facts

and its interpretation.

Based on their ability to engage in the study, which was provided by the

researchers, all participants claimed that they were at least 16–18 years old.

Additionally, the themes provided support for the study's findings. To ensure a

greater grasp of the interview topic, the entire interview was transcription and the

coding was done by hand. To establish transferability, or the degree to which the

findings may be applied to different settings, interview transcripts were appended

to the whole manuscript. This study's eligibility requirements state that volunteers

must be flood victims aged 16 to 18 in order to meet the study's eligibility

requirements. After that, all transcripts and recordings will be destroyed in order

to reduce any potential confidentiality hazards.