Analysis of travel decision behaviour during extreme floods in Pakistan

Extreme weather events like floods, exacerbated by climate change, disrupt transportation systems and endanger the safety of the travellers. This study investigates how public perceptions of travel risks influence travel decisions during floods in Pakistan. In the context of urban floods and transportation, this study focuses on the perceived probability of a crash, perceived distraction, perceived security, perceived need for a companion and perceived possibility of getting stuck in traffic congestion, affecting people's travel decisions during floods. A questionnaire survey was conducted in Pakistan after the 2022 floods. Results from the data analysis of 526 valid responses indicated that travel decisions during floods were sensitive to the various flooding situations and influenced by factors including sociodemographic and trip purposes. Furthermore, public perceptions varied in different flooding scenarios influenced by familiarity, available information and road conditions. The study suggests that real-time information sharing to ensure security, targeted education and training to enhance community resilience against floods, development of guidelines for shelter camps on roadsides and ensuring the availability of public transport and ride-sharing services during floods may help to fulfill the public's mobility needs. Study findings will help to develop disaster risk management strategies to promote safe travel, improve urban planning for flood resilience and guide post-disaster recovery efforts.