Flood risk perception, awareness, and preparedness behaviours among vulnerable population groups: implications for building community resilience

Abstract

The frequency and intensity of flood disaster events are increasing. It is well documented that community flood vulnerability and impacts vary depending on household attributes. Nevertheless, vulnerable households in high flood risk areas rarely invest time and effort to reduce their vulnerability. A mixed-methods case study investigated the key factors that shaped flood risk perceptions, awareness levels, and information accessibility among households with three levels of vulnerability. Flood concerns were found to increase with household vulnerability and having a vulnerable family member elevated flood disaster risk. Disaster awareness is affected by household attributes such as evacuation assistance for vulnerable family members, as well as by support from government/community groups. Personal networks, including families and neighbours, are primary flood information verification sources, with WhatsApp being the main social media platform utilised. The findings suggest that governments should tap into trusted community and social networks to disseminate flood risk communication to reduce disaster vulnerability.