Risk perception and management of debris flow hazards in the upper salween valley region: Implications for disaster risk reduction in marginalized mountain communities

Abstract

Debris flows in mountain environments are among the most destructive natural hazards often leading to loss of human lives and economic damage. Understanding the public perception of debris flow hazards and associated adaptation measures generates theoretical and practical basis for disaster risk reduction in mountain environments. Based on household questionnaires and key informant interviews, we determined risk perception and management of debris flow events in the Upper Salween Valley Region, China, and implications for disaster risk reduction in marginalized mountain communities. Our findings demonstrated that farmers perceived heavy and frequent rainfall as a primary natural cause for debris flow events, and road construction as a major anthropogenic factor. In addition, farmers perceived a big threat and high occurrence probability of debris flow hazards. Farmers obtained information from television programs and local government to enhance their awareness of debris flow risks; they preferred living away from debris flow gullies and relying on help from neighbors to reduce risks. The government employed emergency cards to improve farmers’ emergency response capabilities, and manual early-warning systems to ensure risk management. This research indicates a long-term interaction between mountain communities and debris flow hazards, and a development perspective which integrates the development of disaster risk reduction strategies into rural development programs. Therefore, risk reduction of debris flows in marginalized mountain communities will benefit from the integration of farmer-based measures into government-led programs, and the implementation of a comprehensive rural development scheme.