Shaping the perception of flood risk among residents of riverbank informal settlements in Kathmandu

Abstract

The aim of the study is to investigate how riverbank informal settlement residents in Kathmandu perceive flood risk. The way they perceive flood risk influences their response to flood impacts and their adaptation measures. Their responses and initiatives to reduce flood risk are important because they are less likely to receive support from the government as they are considered illegal residents. Studies on perceptions of hazard risk in informal settlements are rare. This study contributes to fill this gap. The study explores factors influencing the flood risk perception through 40 semi-structured interviews from three riverbank informal settlements situated along the Bagmati River, the largest river running through Kathmandu. Thematic analysis of the interviews identified various factors influencing perception of flood risk. The study reveals that flood risk perception among informal settlement residents is shaped by flood impacts such as life-threatening experiences, property damage, and effects on health and livelihood, along with residents’ awareness of flooding dynamics and realisation of vulnerabilities due to their socio-economic conditions. Furthermore, a sense of solidarity among residents fosters bonding social capital, influencing their flood risk perception. The findings benefit various stakeholders by providing guidance for collaboration with informal settlement residents to work towards flood risk reduction. The results underscore the need for governments to view informal settlements not solely as illegal entities, but as areas facing substantial challenges from flood impacts and taking appropriate measures to address these challenges.