Assessing Flood Adaptation Measures in Post-Cyclone Recovery and Reconstruction: The 2023 Cyclone Freddy Case in Kachulu, Malawi.

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Title: Assessing Flood Adaptation Measures in Post-Cyclone Recovery and Reconstruction: The 2023 Cyclone Freddy Case in Kachulu, Malawi.
Authors: Taghimolla, Ali1 (AUTHOR), Asgary, Ali1,2 (AUTHOR) asgary@yorku.ca, Aarabi, Mahbod1 (AUTHOR)
Source: Remote Sensing. May2026, Vol. 18 Issue 10, p1593. 18p.
Subjects: Flood damage prevention, Building foundations, Three-dimensional modeling, Cyclones, Disaster resilience, Floods, Flood control
Abstract: Highlights: What are the main findings? Ground elevation of properties can mitigate the damage and inundation of properties in Kachulu settlement after Cyclone Freddy in future cyclones caused flooding. Scenario analysis suggests that building elevation up to 3 m could significantly reduce direct flood exposure under modeled conditions. What are the implications of the main findings? Property-level adaptation measures can reduce flooding risk significantly. The findings can inform discussions on targeted regional risk-mitigation strategies. Targeted regional risk-mitigation strategies, such as Property-Level Flood Risk Adaptation in high-risk areas, should be considered during post-disaster recovery and reconstruction. In 2023, Tropical Cyclone Freddy caused severe damage in southern Malawi, flooding much of the lowland area near Lake Chilwa and displacing many residents. This study evaluates long-term, region-specific mitigation strategies to lessen future risks, using a novel approach that combines drone and satellite data, building footprints, and 3D simulations to analyze how building elevation affects flood damage and assess Property-Level Flood Risk Adaptation measures. Results show a significant difference in ground elevation between affected and unaffected buildings, with damaged structures generally at lower levels. The 3D simulation confirmed a water-level rise of approximately 3.0 m caused by Freddy. Scenario analysis indicates that elevating buildings by 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 m could reduce direct flood exposure and 64%, 76%, and 91% of damage, respectively. These insights can inform the development of targeted regional risk-mitigation strategies through Property-Level Flood Risk Adaptation in high-risk areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Abstract:Highlights: What are the main findings? Ground elevation of properties can mitigate the damage and inundation of properties in Kachulu settlement after Cyclone Freddy in future cyclones caused flooding. Scenario analysis suggests that building elevation up to 3 m could significantly reduce direct flood exposure under modeled conditions. What are the implications of the main findings? Property-level adaptation measures can reduce flooding risk significantly. The findings can inform discussions on targeted regional risk-mitigation strategies. Targeted regional risk-mitigation strategies, such as Property-Level Flood Risk Adaptation in high-risk areas, should be considered during post-disaster recovery and reconstruction. In 2023, Tropical Cyclone Freddy caused severe damage in southern Malawi, flooding much of the lowland area near Lake Chilwa and displacing many residents. This study evaluates long-term, region-specific mitigation strategies to lessen future risks, using a novel approach that combines drone and satellite data, building footprints, and 3D simulations to analyze how building elevation affects flood damage and assess Property-Level Flood Risk Adaptation measures. Results show a significant difference in ground elevation between affected and unaffected buildings, with damaged structures generally at lower levels. The 3D simulation confirmed a water-level rise of approximately 3.0 m caused by Freddy. Scenario analysis indicates that elevating buildings by 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 m could reduce direct flood exposure and 64%, 76%, and 91% of damage, respectively. These insights can inform the development of targeted regional risk-mitigation strategies through Property-Level Flood Risk Adaptation in high-risk areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:20724292
DOI:10.3390/rs18101593