Strengthening Disaster Adaptability Through Social Infrastructure: A Study in Punta Hermosa

Abstract

In the past few decades, the growing frequency and severity of natural disasters have been aggravated by the effects of climate change. The district of Punta Hermosa represents a vulnerable community in this context, particularly due to its susceptibility to landslides, emphasizing the necessity of developing strategies aimed at strengthening community resilience. This study explores how social infrastructure, such as public gathering spaces, contributes to the adaptive capacity of residents after natural disasters. Through a sequential design, a 64-participant survey was conducted to assess community disaster experiences and preferences on public socialization spaces. Data was gathered from five local neighborhoods affected by landslides and was distributed via social media such as WhatsApp and Facebook. The main results indicated strong support networks within the community, where all respondents reported being actively involved in actions and initiatives to aid members of their community after the landslides. The survey results were framed within a broader context through a literature review, examining theories and evidence about the role of social infrastructure in creating support networks and enhancing community resilience. The review also emphasized disaster management steps to contextualize the community's actions. The study revealed that the actions carried out by the community align with the response phase of general emergency management plans (National Governors Association, 1979) and that community networks can facilitate an immediate and more efficient response to landslides by allowing a rapid evaluation of the situation and the effective distribution of resources. These findings determined the impact of social networks and social infrastructure on enhancing resilience, guiding recommendations for designing social infrastructure with a focus on facilitating interactions and fostering social networks in Punta Hermosa.