Increasing the Height of the Floor of the House

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 113 views

Community Adaptation in Facing Floods: Case Study in Sukaraja Village, Medan Maimun District, Medan City

Flooding is one of the most significant environmental problems that Indonesia faces, particularly in residential areas. The increasing modernization of people's lives has made this situation even more complicated. People need a sense of security from the threat of floods that often occur in the rainy season. The existence of flooding not only interferes with daily activities but also has the potential to cause significant material losses for local residents. In dealing with this increasingly complex problem, the community in Sukaraja Village made various adaptation efforts in order to survive.

Background of the Study

Flooding is a recurring problem in Sukaraja Village, Medan Maimun District, Medan City. The village is located in a flood-prone area, and the residents have been affected by floods for many years. The community has been trying to adapt to this situation by implementing various measures to reduce the impact of flooding. However, despite these efforts, the community still faces many challenges in dealing with floods.

Methodology

This study uses a qualitative method to analyze the forms of social adaptation carried out by the community in flood-prone areas in Sukaraja Village. Data is obtained through observation, interviews, and literature reviews. The study aims to identify the various forms of social adaptation carried out by the community and to analyze the challenges faced by the community in dealing with floods.

Forms of Social Adaptation

The community in Sukaraja Village has implemented various forms of social adaptation to deal with floods. Some of these forms include:

1. Gabion Installation

The community together installed gabion on the river bank as an effort to reduce erosion and minimize the impact of flooding. Gabion is a type of wall made from rocks and wire mesh that is used to prevent soil erosion and landslides. The installation of gabion on the river bank has helped to reduce the risk of flooding and has also improved the aesthetic value of the area.

2. Power Outages

When floods occur, residents turn off electricity to avoid accidents that can be fatal. This is a proactive measure taken by the community to ensure their safety during floods. The power outage also helps to prevent electrical shocks and fires that can occur during floods.

3. Increasing the Height of the Floor of the House

Many residents take the initiative to elevate the floor of the house so as not to be submerged in water during floods. This is a practical solution that has been implemented by many residents in the area. The elevated floor helps to keep the house dry and safe during floods.

4. Community-Based Flood Control

The community in Sukaraja Village has also implemented a community-based flood control program. This program involves the community working together to control floods by installing floodgates, dredging rivers, and implementing other measures to reduce the impact of flooding.

5. Environmental Education

The community in Sukaraja Village has also implemented environmental education programs to raise awareness about the importance of flood control and the need to protect the environment. These programs have been successful in educating the community about the importance of flood control and have also helped to promote a sense of ownership and responsibility among community members.

Community Efforts to Improve the Environment

In addition to adaptive measures, the community also seeks to improve the environment by carrying out mutual cooperation to clean the Deli River and the surrounding area. They also actively expressed their aspirations related to flood problems and the eviction of residents' homes to the city government so that attention was given to their conditions.

Challenges in Adaptation

However, despite having made various efforts, the people of the Deli River in the Sukaraja Village still face many challenges. The welfare of the community has not been fulfilled properly, especially because of the limited facilities and infrastructure that can support life in flood-prone environments. Economic factors are one of the main causes, where many residents are unable to buy decent and safe residences from the threat of flooding. This encourages most of them to keep adapting to existing conditions.

Effect of Adaptation on Social Mindset and Interaction

The adaptation carried out by the community in Sukaraja is not only a survival strategy, but also affects their abilities and mindset in dealing with various environmental problems. Social interaction between them becomes stronger when facing floods, creating close solidarity and collaboration to achieve mutual survival.

Conclusion

In facing flood challenges, the people of Sukaraja Kelurahan showed a proactive attitude by carrying out various forms of social adaptation. Although there are many challenges, such as limited facilities and economic factors, their efforts to survive and adapt reflect high courage and solidarity. The community in this region teaches that dealing with environmental problems requires solid cooperation and collective awareness to create a better environment.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

The government should provide support to the community in Sukaraja Village by providing funding for flood control measures and infrastructure development.
The community should continue to work together to implement adaptive measures and to improve the environment.
Environmental education programs should be continued to raise awareness about the importance of flood control and the need to protect the environment.
The government should provide assistance to residents who are unable to afford decent and safe residences from the threat of flooding.

By implementing these recommendations, the community in Sukaraja Village can continue to adapt to the challenges of flooding and can work towards creating a better environment for themselves and future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions: Community Adaptation in Facing Floods

In our previous article, we discussed the community adaptation in facing floods in Sukaraja Village, Medan Maimun District, Medan City. The community has implemented various forms of social adaptation to deal with floods, including gabion installation, power outages, increasing the height of the floor of the house, community-based flood control, and environmental education. In this article, we will answer some of the frequently asked questions related to community adaptation in facing floods.

Q: What are the main causes of flooding in Sukaraja Village?

A: The main causes of flooding in Sukaraja Village are heavy rainfall, clogged drains, and the lack of proper flood control measures. The village is located in a flood-prone area, and the residents have been affected by floods for many years.

Q: What are the benefits of gabion installation in flood control?

A: Gabion installation is a type of wall made from rocks and wire mesh that is used to prevent soil erosion and landslides. The installation of gabion on the river bank has helped to reduce the risk of flooding and has also improved the aesthetic value of the area.

Q: How can residents prepare for floods?

A: Residents can prepare for floods by taking the following steps:

Installing floodgates and sandbags to prevent water from entering their homes
Elevating the floor of their homes to prevent water from reaching the living areas
Keeping essential items such as food, water, and first aid kits in a safe place
Staying informed about weather forecasts and flood warnings

Q: What is the role of the community in flood control?

A: The community plays a crucial role in flood control by working together to implement adaptive measures and to improve the environment. The community can also provide support to residents who are affected by floods.

Q: How can the government support the community in flood control?

A: The government can support the community in flood control by providing funding for flood control measures and infrastructure development. The government can also provide assistance to residents who are unable to afford decent and safe residences from the threat of flooding.

Q: What are the long-term effects of flooding on the community?

A: The long-term effects of flooding on the community can include:

Loss of property and livelihoods
Displacement of residents
Mental and physical health problems
Economic instability

Q: How can the community adapt to the challenges of flooding?

A: The community can adapt to the challenges of flooding by:

Implementing adaptive measures such as gabion installation and power outages
Working together to improve the environment and to implement flood control measures
Providing support to residents who are affected by floods
Staying informed about weather forecasts and flood warnings

Q: What is the importance of environmental education in flood control?

A: Environmental education is important in flood control because it raises awareness about the importance of flood control and the need to protect the environment. Environmental education can also promote a sense of ownership and responsibility among community members.

Q: How can the community continue to adapt to the challenges of flooding?

A: The community can continue to adapt to the challenges of flooding by:

Continuously monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of adaptive measures
Implementing new and innovative flood control measures
Providing support to residents who are affected by floods
Staying informed about weather forecasts and flood warnings

By answering these frequently asked questions, we hope to provide more information and insights about community adaptation in facing floods.