[F08] Residents’ Interpretation and Action: Understanding the Use of Dam Discharge Information in Flood-Prone Areas of Sri Lanka
Conference Bldg 2F - Sakura Hall
| Affiliation | 東京大学工学部社会基盤学科 |
|---|---|
| Presenter | 佐藤 洸大 |
Keywords
- Flood Warning
- Dam Operation
- Risk Communication
Outline
There have been many studies on the communication of flood warnings, but few have focused on the specific information to support residents' decision-making. This research investigated how residents in flood-prone areas downstream of the Kukule Ganga Dam in Sri Lanka utilize dam discharge data issued by the local government during floods. A field survey revealed that most residents can interpret flood risks and make decisions based on this data. Unlike regular alert levels, dam discharge data allows residents to personalize flood risk assessments. While it does not enforce uniform actions like evacuation orders, it strengthens individual decision-making based on personal vulnerabilities.
Moreover, specific factors were found to enhance this utilization. First, unlike national-level flood warnings that require government intervention, dam discharge data is easily accessible and requires no additional risk translation. This accessibility is crucial in the context of limited human resources in developing countries. Second, residents’ dissatisfaction with dams has heightened their interest in dam discharge information. For many, the Kukule Ganga Dam is associated with inequality and social exclusion, making the use of dam discharge data a way to reclaim agency.
While communicating clear flood risks and evacuation orders remains essential, these results indicate that dam discharge data is also an effective tool for residents’ decision-making.
