Southeast Saskatchewan flooding in 2014 : rural resilience and disaster risk reduction

Abstract

This qualitative study focused on rural Saskatchewan residents directly and indirectly impacted by a flooding event that occurred in the summer of 2014 in their region. This study used interview data to investigate how residents’ understanding of the risk of future disaster events in the area and actions to prepare for future events were influenced by the flooding event in the region in 2014. Using semi-structured interviews, the research focused on how residents’ perception of risk changed after the 2014 flooding event, what actions they took to prepare for future events, and what factors contributed to these activities. The two main themes were rural resilience and disaster risk reduction actions. Rural resilience was evidenced through volunteerism, connections and networks, and resource knowledge. Disaster risk reduction actions were influenced by sentimentality and apathy.