Invisible Divides in Urban Resilience: An Exploratory Study of Pluvial Floods in Montevideo

This research explores the complex interplay of climate change, flood risk, and urban inequality, with the pluvial flooding in Montevideo, Uruguay as a case study.

Examining the intricate relationship between development and pluvial flood risk, the research highlights the interconnectedness of risk components and development factors. It advocates for holistic policies, including poverty alleviation, and inclusive strategies to reduce risk and promote equitable resilience. This study employs a mixed-methods approach to investigate the differentiated impacts of pluvial flooding on various socioeconomic groups and communities, considering risk perception and disaster risk governance. The findings reveal stark disparities in vulnerability, with the urban poor disproportionately affected by pluvial flooding. These events not only directly harm well-being and livelihoods, but also trigger cascading effects, disrupting income, public services, and social cohesion.

The study also underscores the invisibility of pluvial flooding as a threat to affected communities, highlighting the importance of risk perception and communication. Therefore, this research contributes to the emerging field of equitable resilience by shedding light on the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change-induced urban flooding and social inequalities. It calls for a paradigm shift in urban water management, emphasizing the coexistence of uncertainties and risks. The study advocates for inclusive and participatory approaches in risk reduction efforts and underscores the dual role of insurance in promoting risk transfer and reduction. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, urban planners, and disaster risk managers, not only in Montevideo but also in other urban areas grappling with similar complex issues.