Percepción y opinión pública sobre riesgos naturales en la ciudad de Cuenca - Ecuador

Abstract

Abstract: The study investigates how residents perceive and respond to natural hazards such as landslides, wildfires, earthquakes, floods, droughts, and volcanic activity. A structured survey administered to 385 citizens examines the sociodemographic factors influencing these perceptions and maps the risks in terms of threat, vulnerability, exposure, and capacity. Using descriptive statistical techniques and ANOVA tests with perception scores, the study provides a detailed understanding of local risk perceptions. The findings emphasize the need to integrate public perception with disaster management policies to enhance urban resilience in the event of natural events. This research contributes significantly to understanding natural risk perceptions and offers key insights for developing effective prevention and mitigation policies.