Geo-hydrological risk perception: A case study in Calabria (Southern Italy)

Risk perception is a cognitive process whose aim is to guide people's behaviour in ordinary activities to reduce the impact of extreme events. In fact, the analysis of risk perception can be considered as a part of risk reduction strategies and adaptation measures. In this paper, the perception of the geo-hydrological risk by the population living or working in a stretch of the Tyrrhenian coast of Calabria (Southern Italy) is analysed. The study area has recently been affected by debris flow events, with damages to private and public facilities, as well as infrastructures. In particular, the study, based on a questionnaire survey, considers: i) general knowledge and personal experience of geo-hydrological phenomena; ii) awareness of risk exposure; iii) information and preparedness to geo-hydrological risks of the territory; iv) levels of safety. The results reveal that population consider the anthropic actions as a relevant cause of geo-hydrological phenomena. Moreover, the citizens of the study area, although showing a high civic sense, did not positively assess the actions of the local authorities, both in terms of territory management and people's education and/or information.