Why do people live in high-risk areas? A field study in Akuressa, Sri Lanka

Abstract: A qualitative field study, based on Grounded Theory methodology, has been conducted in the areas around Akuressa in southern Sri Lanka. The method for data collection consisted mainly of semi-structured interviews with local residents. The purpose of the study was to evaluate why people live in high-risk areas. The aim was to do this by looking beyond the purely physical aspect of living with hazards and explore underlying social factors. Four main reasons were identified, namely an overall good living situation, sense of place, difficulties relocating and being well adapted to the situation. Semi-structured interviews were also held with government officials to explore whether they shared the views of the local residents. The study found that there was a consensus regarding several of the different reasons as to why people live in the high-risk areas included in the study. However, some discrepancies were identified in relation to risk awareness and the efficiency of implemented risk reducing measures. Furthermore, the study identifies and explores underlying social factors, such as risk normalisation and risk trade-off, which seems to influence the decision of living in a high-risk area.