Public perception of flood risks, flood forecasting and mitigation

TLDR

Flood mitigation requires a multidisciplinary, integrated decision‑making process, yet Slovenia lacks data on public responses, and Celje has a history of serious floods (1990, 1998) with high return periods. The study presents two surveys of flood perception in Celje, Slovenia. The authors surveyed 157 residents in 1997 and 208 in 2003 across Celje to assess general attitudes toward floods. Respondents viewed floods as a serious threat, with threat perception varying by residence, and emphasized solidarity and flood insurance as important measures. Abstract.

Abstract

Abstract. A multidisciplinary and integrated approach to the flood mitigation decision making process should provide the best response of society in a flood hazard situation including preparation works and post hazard mitigation. In Slovenia, there is a great lack of data on social aspects and public response to flood mitigation measures and information management. In this paper, two studies of flood perception in the Slovenian town Celje are represented. During its history, Celje was often exposed to floods, the most recent serious floods being in 1990 and in 1998, with a hundred and fifty return period and more than ten year return period, respectively. Two surveys were conducted in 1997 and 2003, with 157 participants from different areas of the town in the first, and 208 in the second study, aiming at finding the general attitude toward the floods. The surveys revealed that floods present a serious threat in the eyes of the inhabitants, and that the perception of threat depends, to a certain degree, on the place of residence. The surveys also highlighted, among the other measures, solidarity and the importance of insurance against floods.