Understanding the dynamics of evacuation delays: A study of the 2021 mount Semeru eruption through PLS-SEM analysis

This study explores the key factors contributing to evacuation delays during the 2021 eruption of Mount Semeru in Indonesia. Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM), data were collected from 100 affected residents to examine behavioural responses and decision-making dynamics during the crisis. The analysis tested eight hypotheses and found that five were statistically significant, indicating that lack of information, emotional attachment to property, absence of evacuation plans, limited infrastructure, and family-related concerns were positively associated with delayed evacuation decisions. Notably, 71 % of respondents relied on neighbours as their primary information source, and 80 % reported experiencing panic during the evacuation process. These findings highlight critical gaps in community preparedness and emergency communication systems. The study concludes that strengthening early warning dissemination, enhancing infrastructure, conducting regular evacuation drills, and addressing socio-emotional factors are essential to improving evacuation effectiveness. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of evacuation behaviour during volcanic disasters and offers practical recommendations to enhance community resilience and emergency management practices. • This research provides ground-breaking insights into the factors that hinder timely evacuations during volcanic emergencies, focusing on the 2021 Mount Semeru eruption. Using advanced Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM), this study identifies key psychological and logistical barriers that affect evacuation responses. Findings contribute valuable knowledge for enhancing emergency management and improving community resilience in high-risk areas. • Novel insights from this study identify multiple barriers to timely volcanic evacuations, including emotional attachment to property, reliance on informal communication, lack of evacuation drills, infrastructure limitations, and family safety concerns. • PLS-SEM analysis uncovers critical factors influencing timely evacuation responses. • Reliance on informal alerts led 80 % of Mount Semeru evacuees to panic, delaying safety. • Findings advocate for robust communication and regular drills to improve evacuation speed. • Study advances volcanic emergency strategies, boosting resilience and community safety.