%T Beyond the Dikes: Unveiling Flood Risk Perceptions  “A Comparative Analysis of Flood Risk Perception: High-Risk Sea-Flood Areas vs. Low-Risk Sea-Flood Areas in the Netherlands"
%A Karlijn Hoogendoorn
%D 2024
%X Flood risk perception is related to an individual’s worry, awareness, and preparedness. Understanding flood risk perceptions is crucial for effective flood management and risk communication strategies. Especially in a country such as the Netherlands, with 70% of its inhabitants living in flood-prone areas. This research explores the relationship between location and flood risk perception by comparing two contrasting areas in the Netherlands: Zierikzee, a high-risk, and Zandvoort, a low-risk sea-flood area. The study provides insights into the interplay between different factors and the perception of sea-flood risk in the Netherlands, which could be used to improve sea-flood risk communication and potentially lower stress-caused healthcare expenses. The study is based on survey data. The results indicate that residents of Zierikzee exhibit higher levels of worry and preparedness compared to residents of Zandvoort, and with that perceive a higher level of sea-flood risk. The research shows that flood risk perception is influenced by an individual’s experience with flooding as well as their trust in current measures. This research finds no misperception in risk perception. It therefore finds that flood risk communication in Zierikzee and Zandvoort is sufficient. For generalization purposes, it is recommended the research be repeated in multiple locations.
%L theses_frw4785