UNDERSTANDING FLOOD RISK PERCEPTION, COMMUNICATION AND MANAGEMENT: A CASE STUDY OF RURAL COMMUNITY OF D. G. KHAN, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Climate change-induced extreme events have been increased throughout the globe. The developing countries experience more challenges to deal with floods. There is an immense need for attention in rural areas of such countries to avoid severe losses. Risk communication has been considered an effective mechanism in literature worldwide that affects risk perception and, therefore, can significantly reduce flood risk and improve disaster risk reduction. This study aims to quantify risk perception, risk communication, their determinants and challenges faced by concerned government institutions in flood-prone rural areas of District Dera Ghazi Khan, Pakistan. The rural communities were divided into two zones based on the distance from rivers. 420 samples were collected using a household survey. Chi-square and t- tests were used to identify differences between the two zones and linear regressions analysis for identifying the determinants of risk perception and risk communication. Results showed that the people living away from the river had higher risk perception and received better risk communication than their peers. The main reason was attributed to their past flood experiences. The study also found a strong correlation between flood risk perception and risk communication. Similarly, past flood experience, household size, monthly income, and qualification of the respondents are common drivers of risk perception and risk communication. This study provides an insight into the need for risk communication for improving the effectiveness of flood risk reduction.