Enhancing community understanding on the cascading effects of critical infrastructure service failure via interactive learning
Deepshikha Purwar is a PhD student in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning and Geo-Information Management. (Co)Promotors are prof.dr. R.V. Sliuzas en dr. J. Flacke from the Faculty Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation.
In urban areas, where critical infrastructure (CI) services, such as transportation, energy, water, wastewater, public health systems and communication, are highly interdependent, a single failure in a CI service can cause cascading effects and affect an entire network of services. The urban poor, especially those living in peri-urban areas and informal settlements, are particularly exposed to the risk of cascading effects. However, less attention is paid to how CI services interact with each other and with poor urban communities, highlighting the need to improve community understanding of cascading effects for effective disaster preparedness. This understanding holds the potential to empower community members with knowledge about distinct characteristics, triggers and potential impacts of cascading effects and help them actively participate in disaster risk reduction activities to reduce the losses. This research addresses the cascading effects of CI failure using a case study of Villatina, a low-income, hazard-prone community in Medellín, Colombia. It aimed to develop and test an interactive learning approach that enables residents of a hazard-prone community to improve their understanding of cascading effects and to explore measures to address them.
The study pursued three objectives. The first was to assess and compare the occurrence of cascading effects of CI service failures in both formal and informal settlements of Villatina. Torrential floods and landslides provided the hazard context for the analysis. Using a systems thinking approach, interviews, and focus groups, the research examined differences in service provision, vulnerability, and coping capacities. The findings showed that informal settlements are more susceptible to CI failures, with cascading effects exacerbated by limited infrastructure, weaker institutional support, socio-economic constraints, and low levels of risk awareness. Conversely, formal settlements, though not immune, benefit from better infrastructure, clearer legal frameworks, and stronger support from government responses. These disparities underscore the influence of geography, regulation, demographics, and governance in shaping community resilience.
The second objective explored how interactive learning tools could enhance the comprehension of cascading effects. A participatory Interactive Learning Process (ILP) was designed and tested with groups of students and researchers at the University of Twente. The process involved facilitator-led exercises supported by three visualisation tools: flow diagrams, maps, and picture cards. Comparative evaluation revealed that picture cards were the most effective at stimulating engagement, simplifying complex interdependencies, and fostering knowledge retention. This phase demonstrated the potential of visualisation in making abstract systemic risks tangible and accessible, even to participants with varied educational backgrounds.
The third objective was to apply and evaluate the picture card-based ILP in the neighbourhood of Villatina, Medellin City. Workshops with residents showed that the revised picture cards significantly improved understanding of cascading effects and helped participants explore potential risk reduction measures. The ILP proved versatile in engaging diverse groups, supporting collaborative brainstorming, and promoting critical reflection on local vulnerabilities. However, challenges remain in scaling the approach to neighbourhood or city-wide levels. Barriers include socio-economic constraints, resource limitations, cultural norms that place disaster management responsibility solely on the government, and the need for strong community networks to sustain collective action.
This research concludes that while ILP is not a stand-alone solution for disaster preparedness, it is a valuable tool for building awareness, empowering communities, and fostering dialogue among residents, government, and academia. For broader impact, ILP approaches should be integrated with community resilience programs, supported by multi-actor collaboration, and adapted through digital tools to reach broader audiences. Ultimately, strengthening community understanding of cascading effects can play a critical role in reducing disruptions, enhancing preparedness, and promoting long-term urban resilience. Future studies should explore digital adaptations of an ILP approach to reach a wider audience and integrate it with existing community resilience programs.
