Local strategies to cope with urban flooding in the city of San Luis Potosí

Abstract

This work evaluates the social construction of risk associated with urban flooding in the southern area of the city of San Luis Potosí, Mexico. Firstly, we examine the 1970s and 1980s urban policies that originated the current problem of annual flooding and that led to the social production of a risky urban space; also, we analyze the rainfall regime in the study area and the political speech that identifies precipitation as the main cause of urban flooding. Secondly, we analyze the social organization of the community and the local strategies to cope with floods. The neighbors use these strategies to prevent and reduce the damages caused by floods, but they are considered technically deficient by the city authorities.

The results of this research show the social construction of risky urban space in the context of land privatization, the industrialization of the city, and the social and economic inequality that led to the recurrent flooding in the study neighborhood (El Aguaje). Furthermore, the results show the local strategies used by the residents to protect their properties and safeguard their health. Such strategies include streets, housing modifications, and social organizations to demand action from the local government.