An Analysis of Science Communication in the Context of Extreme Rainfall and Flooding Events

An Analysis of Science Communication in the Context of Extreme Rainfall and Flooding Events
Funding Institution: Philippine Higher Education Research Network (PHERNet), Commission of Higher Education (CHED)
Duration: June 2014 – June 2015
Faculty involved:  Dr. Charlotte  Kendra Gotangco, Dr. Inez Ponce de Leon (Communications)

The projects aims to investigate the science and risk communication process related to the occurrence of extreme climatic events, particularly, extreme rainfall resulting in flooding. It will compare the contexts of two areas that repeatedly experience extreme rainfall and flooding: Marikina, a city in the highly urbanized Metro Manila, and Albay, a province in the Bicol region. The Focus Group Discussion (FGD) approach will be used to interact with the residents at risk to extreme rainfall and flooding while the Key Informant Interview (KII) approach will be used to get the input from the experts and authorities tasked to craft and deliver the scientific information.
 
The research instruments are designed to accomplish the following: (i) Assess the reception and perception of scientific information before (e.g. typhoon approach, flood warnings), during (rainfall rates, wind speeds, flood levels, land slide risks) and after (e.g. health risks) the occurrence of an extreme rainfall and flooding event, (ii) Identify the factors that affect if and how scientific information is incorporated into decision-making, (iii) Determine whether factors other than the science ultimately dictate what action is taken, and (iv) Make recommendations as to how to craft more effective scientific communication on climate and disaster risk based on the communities’ priorities and preferences in order to better engage these stakeholders.