Investigating the adaptation strategies and constraints in flood risk reduction of urban communities of Islamabad, Pakistan

Urban flooding is increasingly exacerbated by rapid climate change, posing significant challenges to urban communities. Adaptation strategies are increasingly seen as a key solution to curtail these effects. However, several constraints hinder the effective implementation of these strategies, reducing their overall effectiveness. This study examines the adaptation strategies employed by households and the constraints that hinder their effective implementation in the context of urban floods. These strategies were classified into behavioral, structural, and ecological, while constraints were examined across physical, human, social, economic, and institutional dimensions. A total of 600 households from three urban communities in Islamabad, Pakistan, were surveyed using a simple random sampling method. Quantitative data were analyzed through frequency distribution and Ordinary Logistic Regression (OLR) analysis, while qualitative insights from open-ended responses were examined using thematic analysis. The findings reveal that households commonly adopted strategies such as relocating items to safer places, using tarpaulins, wall panelling, and opting for cars during rain to minimize flood damage. However, the effectiveness of these strategies was limited by several constraints, including the absence of supporting infrastructure, a lack of awareness about adaptation strategies, limited community participation, inadequate financial resources, and insufficient public policy measures. Age and flood duration were found to have a positive influence on adaptation willingness, whereas education had a negative influence. This study underscores the importance of incorporating both behavioral and structural adaptation strategies into national and provincial climate adaptation plans. Addressing these constraints is essential for building community resilience and developing comprehensive, context-sensitive responses to urban flooding.