Risk perception and hierarchy of risks related to recurrent floods in a regularized urban area: a discursive analysis

Abstract

This study analyzed discursive strategies adopted by residents who live in an area of risk of recurrent flooding to justify their stay in the neighborhood. It was based on their perceptions, risk hierarchisation criteria, preventive actions and risk mitigation actions. For this purpose, excerpts from field diaries and semi-structured interviews with two residents who disagreed about the risk of flooding and the need to stay in the neighborhood were analyzed. Results show that economic difficulties of relocation and the moral principles that prevent someone from selling their house are arguments used by the
resident who wants to move from the neighborhood. The resident who wants to stay in the neighborhood tends to normalize the risks and to value the benefits of the region. Residents decide whether or not to let water enter their homes during a flood and whether or not to leave the house during the rainy season to carry out their daily activities based on their prior organization and attachment to the place and material goods. It is concluded that floods affect the daily lives of residents and involve decision-making processes, which need to be considered by the public authorities in risk management.