Unbalanced relationship between flood risk perception and flood preparedness from the perspective of response intention and socio-economic factors: a case study of Nanjing, China

Abstract

Perceived flood risk and flood preparedness are critical components of effective flood management. However, perceived flood risk does not always translate into flood preparedness. This study investigated the potential association between risk perception and flood preparedness in Nanjing by designing and carrying out a questionnaire survey. The results indicated that participants exhibited moderate perceptions of flood risk but demonstrated higher levels of flood preparedness. Higher risk perception was observed in individuals who were older, exercised regularly, had lower levels of education or had lived in the area for a longer period of time. Higher levels of flood preparedness were evident among females, the elderly and those with higher levels of education. Participants relied more on threat appraisal to perceive risk, but this failed to trigger sufficient coping appraisal. Inadequate risk perception resulted in a significant transformation towards flood preparedness, leading to an unbalanced relationship. Groups with distinct socio-economic characteristics showed different preferences for achieving risk perception and flood preparedness. Path analysis suggests that threat appraisal can transform into flood preparedness under the influence of response intention and socioeconomic features. Individuals with higher levels of education or poor health could be more likely to perceive risk and engage in preventive behavior. These findings provide critical insights into intervention strategies designed to improve public flood preparedness in flood management.