Battling nature’s fury: Struggles in overcoming natural disasters, coping mechanisms, and insights of people living in mining sites

Disaster preparedness and response to natural disasters is pressing. This study explores the case of mining disaster survivors. Using qualitative design, involving 12 survivors, I obtained the information by in-depth interviews and focus group discussions supported with pertinent documents. I found that the lack of disaster preparedness left the locals caught off guard and succumb with fear and anxiety, felt disoriented, witnessed the loss of lives, distressed by the unforeseen catastrophe, and lost homes and livelihoods. Despite this, the community showed resilience through faith and embraced gratitude and positivity, received psychological support and fostered mental resilience, recognized the valuable aid of government and support agencies. Survivors learned that obeying warnings and deeper sensitivity to the surroundings and preparing for possible eventuality saved lives. Strengthening disaster preparedness plans, early warning systems, local government involvement, and psychological added to material supports are recommended.