Introduction

Climate change and environmental hazards have intensified droughts and dust storms in many arid and semi-arid regions, severely affecting water resources, agricultural productivity, and public health. Sistan and Baluchestan province, particularly the city of Zahedan, faces substantial climate-related challenges, exacerbated by poor infrastructure and socio-economic inequalities. Among the most pressing issues in this region are persistent drought conditions, which reduce water availability, degrade land quality, and disrupt livelihoods, as well as dust storms, which increase health risks and infrastructural damage. Given these challenges, assessing resilience and vulnerability at the neighborhood level is crucial for effective urban planning and disaster risk management. This study evaluates the climate resilience of two neighborhoods in Zahedan-Shirabad and Daneshgah-by examining economic, social, environmental, and infrastructural dimensions. The goal is to identify disparities in resilience levels between these two areas and to propose practical strategies for enhancing sustainability, reducing vulnerability, and improving adaptive capacity in the face of climate hazards.

Materials and Methods

This study adopts a mixed-method approach, combining meteorological analysis with a survey-based assessment of neighborhood resilience. To analyze drought conditions, the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) was calculated using precipitation data from Zahedan’s synoptic weather station, covering the period from 1994 to 2022. The SPI, widely used for drought assessment, classifies periods of dryness and wetness based on deviations from long-term precipitation averages, helping to quantify climate variability and drought severity over different time scales. In addition to meteorological analysis, a structured questionnaire was used to evaluate economic, social, environmental, and infrastructural resilience in the two neighborhoods. The questionnaire was designed based on prior studies and expert opinions, employing a Likert scale to measure respondents’ perceptions of different resilience factors. The sample size was determined using Cochran’s formula, resulting in 384 respondents, evenly distributed across the two neighborhoods. To analyze and rank the resilience levels of the neighborhoods, the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) was applied. TOPSIS, a widely used multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method, ranks alternatives based on their relative proximity to an ideal solution. This technique ensures a systematic comparison of neighborhood resilience based on multiple dimensions. The reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, which demonstrated a high level of internal consistency. Statistical analysis, including a one-sample T-test, was conducted to compare the resilience levels of Shirabad and Daneshgah, testing whether the observed differences were statistically significant. This test provided a rigorous assessment of whether neighborhood resilience varied systematically based on socio-economic and infrastructural conditions.

Results and Discussion

Findings indicate a significant disparity in resilience between Daneshgah and Shirabad neighborhoods. Daneshgah, characterized by better infrastructure, stable employment, and higher education levels, demonstrated higher resilience across all four dimensions. In contrast, Shirabad faced greater vulnerability, with residents experiencing economic hardship, inadequate infrastructure, and lower awareness of climate-related risks. Economic conditions in Shirabad, where most residents rely on informal employment, create higher economic vulnerability, as income loss during crises significantly impacts their livelihoods. Conversely, Daneshgah residents, benefiting from stable jobs and access to financial resources, demonstrated greater adaptive capacity. Social factors such as education levels and community awareness were notably lower in Shirabad, reducing their ability to prepare for and respond to climate-related disasters. Daneshgah, with a more educated population, showed higher social resilience, as residents were more informed about climate adaptation measures. Environmental factors, including inadequate infrastructure, poor water management, and lack of green spaces, further exacerbated vulnerability in Shirabad, while Daneshgah had better environmental planning and resource management, contributing to greater climate resilience. Weak urban planning in Shirabad resulted in housing instability, water supply issues, and inefficient public services, increasing exposure to climate risks, whereas Daneshgah's robust infrastructure, including proper water distribution networks and effective waste management, enhanced its resilience. Statistical analysis using a one-sample T-test confirmed that resilience indicators were significantly higher in Daneshgah than in Shirabad (p < 0.05), validating the vulnerability classification. The TOPSIS ranking further emphasized Shirabad’s position as the more vulnerable neighborhood, requiring urgent policy intervention.

Conclusion

The study underscores the importance of socio-economic and infrastructural factors in shaping climate resilience at the neighborhood level. While Daneshgah exhibits greater resilience, Shirabad remains highly vulnerable, requiring immediate policy interventions to enhance its adaptive capacity. Addressing economic vulnerabilities through employment programs and financial support mechanisms can improve household stability and crisis recovery in Shirabad. Infrastructure investments, such as upgrading housing conditions, improving water management systems, and expanding public services, are crucial for reducing climate-related risks. Enhancing public awareness through education and community engagement programs is another vital strategy for strengthening resilience. By increasing knowledge of climate risks and adaptation measures, residents can take proactive steps to mitigate impacts and participate in local disaster risk management initiatives. Strengthening social networks and community-based resilience programs can also improve adaptive capacity, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive adequate support during crises. For urban policymakers, these findings emphasize the need for differentiated resilience strategies that address the specific vulnerabilities of each neighborhood. Shirabad requires urgent investment in infrastructure, economic development, and climate education, while Daneshgah can serve as a model for resilient urban planning. Sustainable urban development policies should prioritize climate adaptation measures, particularly in low-income and informal settlements, to build long-term resilience. Future research should explore additional dimensions of urban resilience, such as governance and institutional capacity, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of climate adaptation in arid cities. Continued monitoring of climate trends and resilience indicators will be essential for evaluating policy effectiveness and guiding future adaptation efforts. Given the increasing frequency and severity of climate hazards, a proactive and inclusive approach to urban resilience is necessary to ensure sustainable development and protect vulnerable communities.

Keywords: Dust Storm, Resilience, Zahedan, Vulnerability, Drought.