LIVED EXPERIENCES OF VICTIMS AFFECTED BY THE 2024 FLOOD DISASTER IN AKTOBE REGION, KAZAKHSTAN: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY

Abstract

Introduction: During the Spring of 2024, Kazakhstan faced one of the most devastating disasters in the last century. Flooding affected over two-thirds of the country’s territory, displacing people and causing significant community disruptions. Beyond physical and economic losses, the disaster led to significant mental health issues, such as stress and grief, faced by the affected people. Aim: The study aims to explore the lived experiences of victims affected by flood disasters. Methods: This study is phenomenological qualitative research using Van Manen’s data analysis approach. The study sample is 13 people who faced flooding in the Aktobe Region and were the most damaged and unprepared for the disaster. The data collection was in the form of In-Depth interviews, where people were recruited through referral sampling, ensuring every single story was highly suitable for the study. The analysis determined shared topics about which people were most concerned. Meanwhile, the study gives a place for every narrative, highlighting the importance of individuals’ perspectives. The study is aligned to maintain strict confidentiality, accuracy, rigor, and trustworthiness. Results: Initially, 183 codes were identified. Then, the codes were summarized according to meaning, leading to 26 subthemes and further categorized into six themes. The major themes are: Disruption of Home, Livelihood, and Daily Life; Emotional Impact; Coping Mechanisms; Impact on Family; Impact on Community, and Disaster Response and Adaptation. Conclusion: This study showed an urgent need for straightening disaster response mechanisms from all perspectives: starting from personal resilience, and ending with more effective policies. The disaster substantially influenced people’s intrapersonal relations and their mental and material status.