Social perception of the flood in the Llano Largo area, Acapulco, the Storm Henriette: A Decade Later

Abstract

The degradation of the environment, global
warming and climate change have led to intense
weather events and flooding. In Mexico, the state of
Guerrero is vulnerable to flooding, and Acapulco as
a recent municipality affected by the rains. Llano
Largo in Acapulco is a place prone to these risks. In
2007, it suffered ravages by storm Henriette and the
whole area was affected; And from that date to the
present have taken place other phenomena,
however, "Henriette", has set the pattern. A
qualitative research carried out between 2008 and
2009 that employed the structured and unstructured
interview with variables (Residence, storm, effects,
causes, participation and measures), proposed to
identify the social perception of Henriette flood risk.
The results evidenced that there was appreciation of
rain and floods of great magnitude caused by natural
and anthropogenic causes, as well as affectations in
various aspects. It was also noted that the
interviewees perceived that authorities and
construction companies assisted those affected and
identified measures to deal with floods. A decade
later, it is made the reflection that the risk subsists
and the measures have not impacted at all. In this
study twenty-six key informants were considered.