The social amplification of risk and climate disaster preparedness: lessons from the Kalapara region in rural Bangladesh

Risk perceptions significantly influence how vulnerable communities respond to sudden and gradual onset environmental hazards. In this qualitative study, we adapt the Social Amplification of Risk Framework (SARF) based on thematic analysis of 60 interviews with residents of the Kalapara region in rural and coastal Bangladesh. We identify seven components of climate adaptation-relevant risk perceptions that potentially affect household responses to extreme weather events and slow-onset environmental stress: perceptual diversity, risk awareness, experiential knowledge of environmental stress, risk messaging, social norms and cultural values, trust in institutions, and demographic characteristics. By adapting SARF, we observe a broad spectrum of perceptual components and risk awareness, ranging from extreme caution to fatalistic attitudes. We also find evidence of a notable lack of public trust in institutions, weaknesses in top-down communication strategies for climate adaptation, and a heavy reliance on volunteer efforts for disaster preparedness and mitigation. Additionally, maladaptive behaviours may emerge due to ineffective risk communication and poor community engagement. These factors impede proactive responses to environmental stress, such as migration and planned evacuation. Policy highlights The Social Amplification of Risk Framework (SARF) highlights the crucial role of social and cultural influences on risk perception and response strategies, promoting tailored communication that aligns with local norms and values. We propose that SARF-thinking can inform disaster preparedness planning, NGO and government actions by enhancing understanding of migratory and non-migratory decision-making, emergency evacuation management, and planned relocation. SARF guides the integration of risk perceptions into disaster response and evacuation planning, facilitating more effective disaster risk reduction practices and successful adaptation against climate-induced vulnerabilities. This study helps develop targeted policies around planned relocation as communities perceive and manage risks differently in disaster-prone regions worldwide, highlighting the need for adaptive responses informed by local knowledge and cultural contexts.