Risk perception – issues for flood management in Europe

R A Bradford,I M Van Der Craats,K Waylen,J Aaltonen,J J O'Sullivan,P Rotko,M Bonaiuto,S De Dominicis,J Krywkow,K Schelfaut

doi:10.5194/nhess-12-2299-2012

Abstract

Abstract. Public perception of flood risk and flood risk information is often overlooked when developing flood risk management plans. As scientists and the public at large perceive risk in very different ways, flood risk management strategies are known to have failed in the past due to this disconnect between authorities and the public. This paper uses a novel approach in exploring the role of public perception in developing flood risk communication strategies in Europe. Results are presented of extensive quantitative research of 1375 questionnaire responses from thirteen communities at risk across six European countries. The research forms part of two research projects funded under the 2nd ERA-Net CRUE Funding Initiative: URFlood and FREEMAN. Risk perception is conceptualised as a pillar of social resilience, representing an innovative approach to the issue. From this process recommendations are identified for improving flood risk management plans through public participation.

Highlights

Flooding accounts for approximately one third of all natural disasters in both the developed and developing worlds (UNISDR, 2012)
Flood risk management plans have become increasingly important as a result of observed climate change impact and as a requirement of the EU Floods Directive 2007/60/EC
As these plans must take into account the physical nature of the risk but social factors, public risk perception must be at the core

Summary

Introduction

Flooding accounts for approximately one third of all natural disasters in both the developed and developing worlds (UNISDR, 2012). It is recognised that flood mitigation measures based solely on structural protection are unsustainable and will not eliminate inundations from extreme floods indefinitely (Kundzewicz, 1999; Tobin, 1995) This recognition has resulted in a paradigm shift in how responsible authorities across Europe deal with floods. A multi-facetted flood risk management approach that more heavily embraces nonstructural measures of improved land-use planning, relocation, flood proofing, flood forecasting and warning and insurance is advocated These approaches that are based on a continuous holistic and societal analysis together with an assessment and mitigation of flood risk (Mc Gahey et al, 2009) are engrained in national policies across Europe (see, for example, Defra, 2005; Ruimte voor de Rivier, 2011) and are underpinned by the EU Floods Directive 2007/60/EC (European Parliament and the Council of the European Union, 2007)

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