Natural Hazards and the press in the western Mediterranean region

摘要

This study analyses press articles published between 1982 and 2005 in anattempt to describe the social perception of natural hazards in Catalonia.The articles included in the database have been classified according todifferent types of risk. In addition, the study examines the evolution ofeach type of risk in the press coverage during the study period. Finally,the results have been compared to data provided by insurance companies withrespect to compensations paid out for damages. Conclusions show that floodsare the most important natural hazard in the region, but that the number ofheadlines for each event is greater in the case of snowfalls and forestfires. Factors such as the season of the year, the proximity of the affectedregion to the capital, the topical issues at the time, and the presence ofother important news must be considered when the impact in the press isanalysed.