Floods and Public Perception on their Effect. Case Study: Tecuci Plain (Romania), Year 2013☆

Abstract The floods from the fall of 2013 in the Tecuci Plain were caused by a massive amount of rainfall in a short period of time (150l/sqm in about an hour), which were followed by heavy rains in the following days (September 13 th to 14 th ) combined with the lack of adequate technical works and strong flows on the slopes. In the area, 5 villages from 3 river basins were affected, two houses collapsed, 107 were partially damaged and 301 people suffered (7 deaths). The worst affected was Cudalbi, where we conducted our investigation which included questionnaires (26 questions, most of them with multiple choices) and interviews with local authorities. In order to assess the population's opinion, 100 questionnaires were applied, the sample was chosen based on gender representativeness, age and education level. The conclusions show that the population is not sufficiently prepared and trained for such events and previous experience and knowledge are very important. Most of the interviewed inhabitants of Cudalbi didn’t show any concerns about flood risks, which was concerning especially the little time lapsed from the last such event. As for the causes for floods, they are correctly recognized by the respondents, with the most answers pointing to overflowing and dams breaking. In most cases they have not been informed about the eventuality of a flood happening or about the existence of community level action plan, but they want to know more especially about any existing warning systems. Cudalbi citizens’ perception is different from the vision that authorities have about a pre-event stage. The latter believe that the reaction was prompt and the material resources were sufficient and properly distributed in the territory. Some of the shortcomings indicated by citizens were also recognized by the authorities (lack of knowledge about emergency plans, lack of volunteering etc.). It necessary that we create, at the level of Cudalbi village (as well as a lot more rural communities in Romania), of a risk culture that could mitigate the effects of such events.