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The Impact of Successive Flooding Events on Household Economic Recovery in Low-Income Neighborhoods

Ledum Oodee Magnus, Lawson Tamunoiminabo, .

Abstract

Flooding represents one of the most pervasive and economically devastating natural hazards affecting urban communities worldwide. This study examines how successive flooding events impede household economic recovery trajectories in low-income neighbourhoods through a comprehensive analysis of existing empirical evidence and theoretical frameworks. A systematic review demonstrates that recurrent flooding creates cumulative economic burdens that disproportionately affect low-income households. Findings reveal that incomplete recovery between flood events increases cumulative consumption and wellbeing losses by approximately 40%. Critical barriers to recovery include limited access to formal insurance, inadequate financial reserves, weak social protection systems, and structural inequalities in housing. Households in the poorest income deciles may require years to recover from a single event, while successive events can trap families in chronic poverty conditions. Policy recommendations emphasize the need for anticipatory social protection and targeted resilience investments to break the cycle of recurrent disaster and economic decline.

Keywords

floodingeconomic recoverylow income neighbourhoodsdisaster resiliencepoverty trapsclimate adaptationhousehold vulnerability

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