A Model to Determine the Degree of Housing Damage for Flood-Affected Area: A Preliminary Study

Abstract

Recent years, global warming and ozone depletion had impacted people’s lives in many ways. In Malaysia, floods have become a common phenomenon caused by a combination of natural factors such as heavy monsoon rainfall and human factors like poor drainage system and deforestation. Heavy year-round rainfall has led to “spillover” effect bringing heavy rains and subsequent flooding. Floods can cause damage to housing and its possession as well as disruption to communication. At times, relocation is deemed necessary. In reality, flood victims are relocated or evacuated to a safe area provided by the authorities but some run to their own shelter. Therefore, the focus of the government is to accelerate the construction of permanent houses for the affected people. The question arises whether the estimated replacement needs took into account the degree of damage to the affected homes? Do they really deserve to receive the permanent house based on the condition of their house post-flood? Is the condition of the house deemed acceptable by end users? Thus, this preliminary study emphasizes on the understanding of the degree of housing damage after a flood, and the findings provide a conceptual model for the degree of housing damages in the Malaysian context.