The following questions inform this research: 1) what factors cause impactful flash-floods in Kerala; 2) what are the public’s perceptions; and 3) what spatial-temporal rainfall statistic captures impactful flash-flood events? We found that in the public’s perception drainage systems, coastal construction, and dam management practices have exacerbated flash floods. This was reflected in the fact that the maximum 5-day summed rainfall was the most effective statistic in capturing flash floods in the public’s consciousness.