Seismic Risk Perception Assessment of Earthquake Survivors: A Case Study from the 2005 Kashmir Earthquake

Document pages: 14 pages

Abstract: Following the catastrophic earthquake of October 2005 in Kashmir, Pakistan,215 surveys were administered to earthquake survivors in villages within 50 miles(80 km) of theepicenter near the town of Muzaffarabad. The survey questionnaires were designedto address perceptions of seismic knowledge, event-related behavior, and opinionsof local, regional, and national seismic preparedness and mitigation-representing a rare opportunityin seismic risk assessment. Some of the findings were similar to previous researchresults, while some were counter-intuitive, surprising, and valuable. Overwhelmingly,respondents stated that they ran away after the quake (vs. praying, taking cover,screaming, or doing nothing). Their trust in local and national governments regardingfuture earthquake preparedness and mitigation was high (~50 ), contrary to mostprior studies. Less thanfive percent of respondents believed that “no quake would occur again”, while nearly 75 responded that another quake wouldoccur within 5 - 10 years, another opinion contrary toprevious research. This research revealed new aspects of risk perception in thepredominant Muslim communities of Northern Pakistan regarding recurrence, post-eventaction, and regional preparedness.