Factors affecting the intention to prepare for flash floods in the Philippines.

The Philippines is constantly exposed to natural disasters, especially flooding, which causes immense damage to properties and casualties because of its geographical location. For years, numerous typhoons have passed which caused several flash floods. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate the preparedness intentions of Filipinos for flash floods. This study employed an integrated framework of the extended protection motivation theory and theory of planned behavior to identify determinants influencing the intention for flash flood mitigation in the Philippines. In total, 400 individuals willingly answered the online questionnaire administered using purposive sampling. Through the use of structural equation modeling (SEM), knowledge on flash floods, perceived severity, perceived vulnerability, experience on flash floods, and subjective norm were revealed as indicators of intention to prepare. Moreover, the analysis revealed that attitude and perceived behavioral control did not influence the preparation intentions of Filipinos. Based on the output, it was observed that individuals had experienced destructive flash floods in the past, wherein their houses were destroyed and damaged. People presented traumatized experience and left as vulnerable to flash flood since it is an uncontrollable natural disaster, leading to greater intention as family and friends are also perceived as vulnerable. People acknowledge that flash floods create a substantial threat to human life and livelihood, often resulting in casualties and death. Relating to the implications, this study innovatively developed a mitigation plan and risk matrix. The results of this study can contribute to current research on disaster mitigation in the Philippines and offer significant insights for policymakers since this is currently being developed. In addition, future researchers can utilize and extend the results of this research to assess preparedness intentions for other natural disasters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]