Multi-level assessment of flood risk perception and flood behaviour

Abstract. Understanding the relationships between flood risk perception and flood behaviour is crucial for adequate risk management and risk communication strategies, but quantitative approaches are still challenging research. Based on a survey of 1007 residents in four different localities of Chile exposed to river floods, this study builds and applies a framework for assessment of flood risk perception and flood behaviour at the individual, household, neighbourhood and municipality levels. Results show that almost all respondents were aware of flood risk. Economic and personal resources highly control worry and preparedness: households with better economic situation were less worried about floods, while minor economic resources at the municipal and neighbourhood levels triggered the adoption of cautionary measures at the household level. Experiences where the flood passed outside the household increased worry and preparedness. Worry decreased with trust in the neighbours. Overall, worry and preparedness in the study area were intermediate, with an increasing dispersion in the lower levels. Increasing worry did not necessarily translate into higher preparedness. Municipalities exhibited different flood behaviours, and some neighbourhoods exhibited flood behaviours different to those of their municipalities, evidencing important differences across the analysed levels. Obtained results suggest that risk communication and risk management strategies should be adapted to focus on the needs of specific neighbourhoods exposed to floods.