Socio-economic Survival Strategies of Flood affected Community (A Case Study of Basti Mehrmani, DG Khan)

Abstract

This study aims to explore the perception as well as social survival strategies and challenges faced by people while implementing these plans in Basti Mehrmani, a village of Tehsil Dera Ghazi Khan. This research employs qualitative research methods like in depth semi-structured interviews, Focused Group Discussions, observation, and informal discussions to gather data from a sample size of 30 people living in flood-affected areas. The sample size was selected by purposive sampling method as research demands people with certain attributes. This research visualizes the survival strategies of people through plans they make to survive with their family and livestock and fulfill their daily needs while surrounded by water. They live in an area that is near the river and vulnerable to floods and this becomes a blessing in disguise because due to multiple floods they have suffered people created strategies that protect them from the destruction of these floods that come every year. This study highlights these strategies and efforts to alleviate the problems during floods. Perception of people about floods is also determined in this study and the way this perception helps them to prepare for problems they are encountering. Their perception makes their ideas clear regarding floods and methods to deal with disasters. Above mentioned factors lead to a systematic way to learn survival plans from these people and implement them in other social settings that are facing similar issues. Small-scale societies can develop ideas to become resistant to natural disasters then it can be a step towards a large policy to make people ready with survival strategies for future disasters. Key Words: Disaster, Survival, Strategy, Social Survival, Economic Survival, Perception, Basti Mehrman