Socio-Economic Impact of Riverbank Failure at Kg. Pohon Celagi in Pasir Mas, Kelantan, Malaysia

Abstract

Natural disasters can harm humans but are a natural reaction that ensures continuous earth system operation. In many countries, severe natural disasters led to extensive consequences for humans and the environment. A massive riverbank failure occurred recently along the Kelantan River in Kampung Pohon Celagi, Pasir Mas, Kelantan, Malaysia. In this study, the affected area of the riverbank failure was determined and the effects of the bank failure on the village socio-economics and community were investigated. The results demonstrated that 0.58 km³ land in the village was affected by the riverbank failure. The local authorities designated the 50-m range from the riverside as the red zone where most houses and buildings failured with the riverbank movement, and the parameters were 51–100 m is the high risk area, 101–150 m is moderate, and ≥ 151 m upwards is low risk area, respectively, from the riverbank. The affected villagers were required to move to safer areas and leave their properties to be demolished or failure with the riverbank. Socioeconomically, businesses around the disaster area were affected as they were prohibited from operating in the high-risk area. Overall, many people in the village lost their property following the disaster became depressed. Resultantly, all stakeholders are expected to develop a solution to ensure community well-being and safety from riverbank failure.