This study assessed flood risk and disaster management strategies in Malolos, Bulacan, a municipality highly susceptible to flooding due to its geographical location, urbanization, and climate change impacts. Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), the study integrated residents' flood perceptions, flood susceptibility maps, and evacuation center assessments to provide a comprehensive overview of flood risks. The analysis categorized residents into two groups: At Risk and Not at Risk, based on their exposure to flooding and evacuation behaviors. The At-Risk group showed a reluctance to evacuate, often due to emotional attachment to their properties, while the Not At-Risk group evacuated proactively when needed. The study also examined the accessibility and suitability of evacuation centers. It was found that many centers are located in flood-prone areas, reducing their effectiveness during emergencies, and densely populated barangays like Sto. Rosario and San Juan lack adequate evacuation centers. Barangays were classified into four levels of vulnerability, with Level IV areas, such as Sto. Rosario and Bangkal require urgent infrastructure improvements. The results suggest that flood management strategies in Malolos should prioritize evacuation infrastructure upgrades, particularly in high-risk areas. The integration of GIS technology, community insights, and data-driven approaches to disaster management provides valuable insights for improving flood resilience. The study emphasizes the need for targeted interventions, including relocation of evacuation centers and community-based flood preparedness programs, to enhance disaster response and mitigate flood impacts in the region.
Acuzar et al. (Wed,) studied this question.