Cultures of risk:Exploring resident water-related disaster preparedness in a multi-country context

This presentation delves into the complexities of flood preparedness across three distinct contexts: Italy, Japan, and the Netherlands. In southern Japan's Kyushu region, water-related disasters are a regular occurrence, deeply embedded in the area's climate patterns. Italy, in contrast, has witnessed an increase in catastrophic events tied to climate change, particularly in mountainous and hilly regions prone to landslides. The Netherlands, often referred to as the "Low Lands" or "Pays-Bas" due to its position below sea level, has a long history of managing river overflows and flooding. <br/><br/>Each of these scenarios - spanning both mainland, coastal and island environments - has given rise to unique narratives of disaster preparedness. These narratives are shaped by a combination of lived experiences with water-related disasters and the collective memory of past events within communities. <br/><br/>This presentation highlights the local dimensions of water-related disaster risk perception in these three regions, emphasizing how environmental and cultural factors contribute to distinct understandings of risk and preparedness.<br/><br/>The study employs an original multi-factor survey methodology, participant observations and in-depth interviews, to explore the nuanced realities and beliefs of communities exposed to water-related disaster risk. <br/><br/>This presentation will highlight on two areas of reflection: understanding the complexities of multi-hazard scenarios in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and exploring if and how they can be addressed through qualitative research methods, such as structured surveys. Additionally, it will include an open discussion on the strengths and limitations of conducting multi-country research<br/>in DRR.<br/>