Perception and knowledge about natural disasters in the sporades Islands of Greece

Abstract

Sporades islands are often affected by catastrophic natural phenomena. This study aimed to identify the information provided to residents of the islands concerning natural disasters. Residents were asked to evaluate risk of natural disasters, the role stakeholders and particularly the role of Civil Protection Service, mass media and scientifc community. Residents consider the risk of forest fres, earthquakes, tsunami, foods and volcanic eruptions to be highly signifcant. Perception of risk was proportional to the expected damage than to the probability of occurrence. The majority considered that information about the real size of a disaster should be immediate and without exaggeration, so as to avoid confusion, stress and fear in the community. The internet, education, broadcast media and scientifc community were the most important sources of information, although the latter two were probed for risk amplifcation due to self-interest. These fndings have implications for future natural hazard management and communication.