Refugees’ Perception of Landslide Disasters: Insights from the Rohingya Camps in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh

Abstract

AbstractThe Kutupalong-Balukhali expansion Rohingya camp provides shelter to nearly one million refugees in a landslide-prone area. The Rohingyas seeking refuge in the camps deal with annual landslide events. This study looks into the existing risk perception of landslides in this shelter-seeking refugee community. Using a structured questionnaire, we conducted a face-to-face survey of 400 Rohingya people from six selected camps in March 2022. We collected information about refugees’ perceptions towards landslide disasters, exposure to hazardous events, mitigation measures, preparedness knowledge, and risk communication. Descriptive statistical analysis was carried out to find out the existing condition of the camps. A regression analysis (Proportional Odds Model) was applied to determine the perception of people at risk. We found that exposure to previous landslides, mitigation measure quality, and emergency managers’ roles were crucial in defining people’s risk perception compared to the demographic characteristics of the Rohingya population. A combination of integrated mitigation, preparedness, and inclusion of laypeople in the overall management process would reduce landslide disaster risk inside the camps.