Risk Assessment of Healthcare Infrastructure Susceptible to Urban Flooding in Delhi

Abstract

Changes in weather patterns have been observed to wreak havoc around the globe. With the Indian Capital on the precipice of momentous development, rapid and uncontrolled urbanisation has led to the city’s infrastructure not only spilling into floodplains, but also surpassing the capacity of designed drainage systems.

With unanticipated flooding in Yamuna River in July 2023, record-breaking monsoons, and partial deluge of the city, the consequences of extreme weather patterns can no longer be avoided. Direct impact of urban flooding is observed on healthcare facilities, which were either shut down on account of inundation due to the Yamuna overflowing, or faced serious functionality problems due to waterlogging.

With healthcare infrastructure expected to be the ‘last building standing’, it becomes necessary to recognise and assess the risks to which the existing healthcare facilities are subjected. The research conducted in this paper identifies factors affecting performance of healthcare facilities located across various topographies, through literature survey, expert interviews, and primary case studies of several hospitals in the city. These factors are then subject to Risk Analysis, using Ishikawa (Fishbone) Analysis, and Failure Modes and Effects Criticality Analysis (FMECA), through which the highest impacting factors are identified.