Most adaptation studies suggest that sea-level rise will lead to relocation as flooding worsens. Here we identified and evaluated potential adaptation strategies for adapting to sea-level rise, based on the experiences of four low-lying island communities in central Philippines that have experienced flooding during normal high tides since a 2013 earthquake that induced land subsidence. Coastal surveys, interviews and household questionnaires showed that island residents generally prefer in situ adaptation strategies rather than relocation to the mainland. These results are unexpected, particularly because a relocation programme has been developed by authorities on the mainland. Direct measurements during a flooding event indicate stilted housing as the most effective type of adaptation strategy. Many households have also raised their floors using coral stones, although this might inadvertently increase their vulnerability to typhoons and storm surges in the long-term.

大多数适应研究表明，随着洪水恶化，海平面上升将导致迁移。在这里，我们根据菲律宾中部四个低洼岛屿社区的经验，确定并评估了适应海平面上升的潜在适应策略，这些社区自2013年地震引发地面沉降以来，在正常的高潮中经历了洪水。沿海调查，访谈和家庭问卷显示，岛上居民通常更喜欢原地适应策略，而不是搬迁到大陆。这些结果是出乎意料的，特别是因为大陆当局已经制定了搬迁计划。洪水事件期间的直接测量表明，高脚房屋是最有效的适应策略。许多家庭还使用珊瑚石抬高了地板，尽管这可能会无意中增加其长期遭受台风和暴风雨袭击的脆弱性。