The risk of relocation: risk perceptions and communication surrounding the tradeoffs between floods and economic opportunities in Iquitos, Peru

Abstract

In this qualitative study, we analyze the experiences of those living in flood-prone economically constrained communities by exploring relocation, risk perceptions, and communication in the context of extreme seasonal flood disasters. Our study included semi-structured interviews with residents in three communities and unstructured interviews with local experts in Iquitos, Peru. Our results suggest that strategic communication plans and interventions for flood-prone communities should emphasize economic opportunities, rather than trying to emphasize flood risks, since the economic domain appears to be more salient for individuals living in these communities. Conversely, communication in relocated communities, should emphasize safety and overall quality of life, but also consider the economic stresses people face. Ultimately, communication and relief efforts related to addressing problems associated with disasters should start with an understanding of the experiences, perceptions, and communication practices of the communities they are assisting.

Keywords:

• Risk perceptions
• communication
• disaster
• community
• experts

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank all those who took the time to meet with us and help us with our research. A version of this paper was published as part of the first author’s dissertation.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).