Community-level risk awareness and disaster preparedness: an exploratory investigation of Quetta, Balochistan

Purpose The purpose of this study is to foster disaster risk reduction as identified by the Sendai Framework through understanding disaster risk mitigation and strengthening disaster preparedness at the community level. Design/methodology/approach Using qualitative and quantitative data from Quetta, Balochistan, the team collected primary data from 400 households using stratified random sampling with proportionate allocation through a survey questionnaire, along with fieldwork and group discussions. SPSS was used for the survey data for analysis. This paper identifies factors that promote community resilience through raising community awareness, preparedness and reducing risk. Findings Natural hazards including seismic shocks and their consequences such as avalanches and landslides remain serious challenges to vulnerable communities in developing and developed nations around the world. The results of this study reveal that despite being in an active fault zone with large-scale earthquakes, most respondents had little interaction with warning systems, no engagement with planning efforts and a minimum knowledge of evacuation procedures. Practical implications This study provides policy guidance to government and non-government agencies to optimize disaster management activities in pre- and post-disaster situations. Originality/value To the best if the authors knowledge, the study is the first of its kind in the study area focusing on risk reduction strategies including up-grading bottom-up engagement and community risk mitigation through grassroots educational outreach to build resilience and reduce community vulnerability to natural disasters.