From Early Warning to Early Action: Household Responses to Flood Early-Warning Information in Northwestern Bangladesh
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54536/ajsde.v5i2.8650Keywords:
Flood Early Warning, Household Early Action, Perceived Flood Risk, Quality Warning Information, Response Capacity, TrustAbstract
Flood early-warning systems can be used to minimize losses that can be avoided, only when the households change the warning messages into prompt protective behavior. This paper analyses the behavioural process that occurs between flood early-warning message and household early action in northwestern Bangladesh. A survey conducted cross-sectionally produced 460 valid household responses. The model that is suggested combines the perceived quality of warning information, trust in warning sources, perceived risk of the flood, perceived response capacity, early-action intention, and household early-action. Partial least squares structural equation modelling was used to assess the measurement and structural models. All measurement scales showed good reliability, convergent validity and discriminant validity. The structural findings demonstrate that quality of warning information and trust can be a significant predictor of perceived flood risk, and early-action intention. The perception of flood risk and perception of response capacity also have a positive impact on early-action intention. Early-action intention ranks highest with direct impact on early action by a household. Important indirect effects point to the fact that warning quality, trust and response capacity to action have their impact on risk perception and behavioural intention. The results indicate that correct warnings that appear technically accurate are not enough unless they are credible, comprehensible, actionable, and in parity with the household response potential. The research offers an empirical model of enhancing warning communication, preparedness, and community-based flood risk mitigation in at-risk environments within vulnerable communities.
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