Abstract

Assam is a state in India that is highly vulnerable to floods. This study aims to evaluate flood disaster risk perception, knowledge, and preparedness among university students in Assam. A quantitative survey was conducted through an online questionnaire. A total of 50 samples (25 PhD, 25 postgraduate) were collected. Participants were asked about their perceptions of flood risk, knowledge, and preparedness regarding flood disaster risk management. By using the structured questionnaire and Pearson’s Chi-Square test to determine the statistical significance of differences between the university students. The finding shows that 96% admit that riverine communities are vulnerable to floods. Although 78% of households need emergency plans, only 4% practice evacuation drills. Eighty-four per cent of PhD students exhibit a higher risk perception of interruption in essential services during a flood. Overall, 62% were aware of the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA). At most, 28% understood district-level flood management systems. Awareness of ASDMA notably correlated with trust in timely warnings (52% aware and 48% unaware). Despite 86% of respondents monitoring weather alerts, 82% were unaware of community warning signals, and 56% had an unavailability of emergency contacts. The study highlights an analytical gap between theoretical awareness and practical preparedness among university students in Assam. The findings emphasise the need to integrate disaster drills into academic curricula, strengthen community-institutional partnerships, and develop localised educational tools to bridge this gap. These strategies are necessary for enhancing resilience in flood-prone regions of Assam, establishing knowledge, and promoting actionable preparedness.

Barik, P., Bhuyan, A., & Hodam, S. (2025). University Students’ Perception, Knowledge, and Preparedness of Flood Disaster Risk Management in Assam (India). International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, 7(1), 417–430. https://doi.org/10.18485/ijdrm.2025.7.1.24