Perceptions of hazards and preparedness among communities prone to volcanic hazards in Kagoshima, Japan
Authors
Saut Sagala1, Norio Okada2, Muneta Yokomatsu2 and Yuki Fukushima1
1 Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University
2 Research Center for Disaster Reduction Systems, Disaster Prevention Research Institute, Kyoto University2
Abstract
This study examines a number of variables related to community perceptions of hazards and preparedness to volcanic hazards in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan. Three cities were selected as the case study areas, including Kagoshima, Sakurajima and Tarumizu cities. These cities are prone to the volcanic hazards posed by Mt. Sakurajima, an active volcano in the south of Japan. The study obtained the data through questionnaire survey from 400 respondents. The data reveal that perceptions of hazard likelihood, hazard impacts and preparedness are found to be correlated significantly. These results imply that those who have high risk perceptions will be likely to prepare against the volcanic hazards. However, the low value of perception of preparedness (1.98) found among the respondents suggests that issue of increasing disaster preparedness still remains important.
Keywords: community, Kagoshima, preparedness, risk perception,
Perceptions of hazards and preparedness among communities prone to volcanic hazards in Kagoshima, Japan
IIASA-DPRI 2009 Conference, Kyoto, Japan
Authors
Saut Sagala1, Norio Okada2, Muneta Yokomatsu2 and Yuki Fukushima1
1 Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University
2 Research Center for Disaster Reduction Systems, Disaster Prevention Research Institute, Kyoto University2
Abstract
This study examines a number of variables related to community perceptions of hazards and preparedness to volcanic hazards in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan. Three cities were selected as the case study areas, including Kagoshima, Sakurajima and Tarumizu cities. These cities are prone to the volcanic hazards posed by Mt. Sakurajima, an active volcano in the south of Japan. The study obtained the data through questionnaire survey from 400 respondents. The data reveal that perceptions of hazard likelihood, hazard impacts and preparedness are found to be correlated significantly. These results imply that those who have high risk perceptions will be likely to prepare against the volcanic hazards. However, the low value of perception of preparedness (1.98) found among the respondents suggests that issue of increasing disaster preparedness still remains important.
Keywords: community, Kagoshima, preparedness, risk perception,