Earthquake preparedness in an urban area: the case of Dhaka city, Bangladesh

Abstract

AbstractThis study aims to assess people’s preparedness for a potential earthquake in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. We have employed a model with six dimensions of holistic individual preparedness. A self-reported online survey included 677 total participants. The multiple linear regression model and the Spearman rank correlation were used as needed. The majority of the participants (> 65%) did not have experience with any earthquake preparedness program, despite the fact that 92% of the population surveyed claimed to have experienced an earthquake in their region. More than 50% of those who experienced earthquakes acquired knowledge. 30% of people do not have access to immediate financial support in the event of a crisis. It was estimated that almost 50% of the population did not have earthquake insurance. Females lack the adaptability of males. A person’s level of earthquake preparedness was significantly associated with their level of education, household head occupation and monthly income, type of residential unit, and experience of earthquake preparedness program. Therefore, these factors should be considered while figuring out how to better prepare for earthquakes. A combination of holistic earthquake preparedness programs and effective education is generally required for competent holistic earthquake preparedness.