Community preparedness for tsunami disaster: a case study

Purpose: The main objective of this study is to develop a tsunami emergency response plan for a coastal community by adopting a community‐based disaster preparedness approach. Design/methodology/approach: A multi‐strategy research design utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methods was used....

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Main Authors: Mat Said, Aini, Ahmadun, Fakhru'l-Razi, Mahmud, Ahmad Rodzi, Abas, Fuad
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Emerald Group Publishing 2011
Online Access:http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/22666/1/Community%20preparedness%20for%20tsunami%20disaster%20a%20case%20study.pdf
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author Mat Said, Aini
Ahmadun, Fakhru'l-Razi
Mahmud, Ahmad Rodzi
Abas, Fuad
author_facet Mat Said, Aini
Ahmadun, Fakhru'l-Razi
Mahmud, Ahmad Rodzi
Abas, Fuad
author_sort Mat Said, Aini
collection UPM
description Purpose: The main objective of this study is to develop a tsunami emergency response plan for a coastal community by adopting a community‐based disaster preparedness approach. Design/methodology/approach: A multi‐strategy research design utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methods was used. The weaknesses and strengths of the different agencies involved in responding to the 2004 tsunami disaster were identified through a focus group discussion. A survey was used to assess the preparedness of the community. Tsunami awareness and education were imparted through lectures, sermons, radio talk shows, informal briefings, workshops and printed materials. Tsunami evacuation routes, safe zones, warning protocols and evacuation plans were finalized through a consultation process with the community. A tsunami evacuation plan was verified during a table‐top exercise and was tested through a drill. Findings: It is evident from the study that a community‐based approach (where the local community is taken as the primary focus of attention in disaster reduction) to tsunami mitigation and preparedness is viable. This process has provided an opportunity for tapping traditional organizational structures and mechanisms (including formal and informal community leaders) and capability‐building activities with the community disaster committees and volunteers. Originality/value: Tsunami 2004 is the first ever tsunami disaster experienced in the country and thus the study provides significant lessons learned from the event. The community‐based approach to disaster preparedness is not the current practice in the country. Thus, the study demonstrates that the approach is a viable tool to enhance community preparedness to tsunami and other types of disasters as well.
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spelling upm.eprints-226662020-03-05T06:32:21Z http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/22666/ Community preparedness for tsunami disaster: a case study Mat Said, Aini Ahmadun, Fakhru'l-Razi Mahmud, Ahmad Rodzi Abas, Fuad Purpose: The main objective of this study is to develop a tsunami emergency response plan for a coastal community by adopting a community‐based disaster preparedness approach. Design/methodology/approach: A multi‐strategy research design utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methods was used. The weaknesses and strengths of the different agencies involved in responding to the 2004 tsunami disaster were identified through a focus group discussion. A survey was used to assess the preparedness of the community. Tsunami awareness and education were imparted through lectures, sermons, radio talk shows, informal briefings, workshops and printed materials. Tsunami evacuation routes, safe zones, warning protocols and evacuation plans were finalized through a consultation process with the community. A tsunami evacuation plan was verified during a table‐top exercise and was tested through a drill. Findings: It is evident from the study that a community‐based approach (where the local community is taken as the primary focus of attention in disaster reduction) to tsunami mitigation and preparedness is viable. This process has provided an opportunity for tapping traditional organizational structures and mechanisms (including formal and informal community leaders) and capability‐building activities with the community disaster committees and volunteers. Originality/value: Tsunami 2004 is the first ever tsunami disaster experienced in the country and thus the study provides significant lessons learned from the event. The community‐based approach to disaster preparedness is not the current practice in the country. Thus, the study demonstrates that the approach is a viable tool to enhance community preparedness to tsunami and other types of disasters as well. Emerald Group Publishing 2011 Article PeerReviewed text en http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/22666/1/Community%20preparedness%20for%20tsunami%20disaster%20a%20case%20study.pdf Mat Said, Aini and Ahmadun, Fakhru'l-Razi and Mahmud, Ahmad Rodzi and Abas, Fuad (2011) Community preparedness for tsunami disaster: a case study. Disaster Prevention and Management, 20 (3). pp. 266-280. ISSN 0965-3562; ESSN: 1758-6100 https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/09653561111141718/full/html 10.1108/09653561111141718
spellingShingle Mat Said, Aini
Ahmadun, Fakhru'l-Razi
Mahmud, Ahmad Rodzi
Abas, Fuad
Community preparedness for tsunami disaster: a case study
title Community preparedness for tsunami disaster: a case study
title_full Community preparedness for tsunami disaster: a case study
title_fullStr Community preparedness for tsunami disaster: a case study
title_full_unstemmed Community preparedness for tsunami disaster: a case study
title_short Community preparedness for tsunami disaster: a case study
title_sort community preparedness for tsunami disaster a case study
url http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/22666/1/Community%20preparedness%20for%20tsunami%20disaster%20a%20case%20study.pdf
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