A Population’s Perception of the Risk Management-Driven Response during Major Landslides

Abstract The Saguenay region in Quebec has experienced several major disasters over the past few decades, namely, the Saint-Jean-Vianney landslide in 1971 and the Saguenay Flood in 1996, as well as several frequently publicized terrain instability phenomenon. In response to this reality, a unique risk management plan was implemented in Saguenay starting in 2004. The experience gained from dozens of emergency calls received in June 2022 after a widely publicized major landslide in sensitive clays in La Baie borough, along with the support provided to the population during stabilization works, highlights the impact of such large-scale events on the collective interpretation of landslide risk. This study documents the perceptions, knowledge, concerns, and opinions of a portion of the population impacted, directly or indirectly, by the urban landslide that occurred in 2022 following a rainy sping and rapid melting of the snow cover. The article presents the results of a quantitative study conducted in January 2025. A questionnaire, consisting of 74 questions designed by the co-authors of this article, was used to evaluate the evolution of various factors. These factors were assessed during significant weather events, the implementation of emergency measures in 2022, and after the occurrence of the landslide and subsequent stabilization works. The findings demonstrate the impact of incorporating individual considerations into interventions and decision-making during emergency situations. The study results also indicate that communication between citizens and responders significantly influences their perception of risks. Furthermore, this study provides details on the confidence levels of citizens regarding the safety measures implemented and their understanding of these measures. The findings offer valuable insights that can help guide institutional decisions aimed at protecting the population, emphasizing the importance of individuals’ perceptions within the existing management plan in the Saguenay region.