Analysis of Drainage Conditions and Their Relationship to Inundation Problems in the Belawan Bahari Fishermen Settlement, Medan

Abstract

Flooding is a common environmental issue in coastal settlements due to the interaction between natural conditions and environmental infrastructure performance. Belawan Bahari Fishermen Settlement in Medan Belawan District is particularly vulnerable to flooding because of its low-lying topography and exposure to tidal influences. Understanding the relationship between drainage conditions and flooding is important to support sustainable environmental management in coastal settlements. This study aims to analyze the condition of the drainage system and examine its relationship with flooding problems in Belawan Bahari Fishermen Settlement, Medan City. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed through field observations, literature reviews, and secondary data analysis related to drainage conditions, flooding occurrences, and coastal environmental characteristics. The results indicate that suboptimal drainage performance, caused by sedimentation and waste accumulation, contributes to flooding in the study area. In addition, high settlement density, limited infiltration areas, and tidal influences increase the vulnerability of the area to flooding. The study concludes that flooding in Belawan Bahari is influenced by the interaction between drainage system conditions and coastal environmental characteristics. These findings highlight the importance of integrated drainage management that considers the specific characteristics of coastal settlements to reduce flooding risks and improve environmental quality.