Seismic Risk Perception Assessment of Earthquake Survivors: A Case Study from the 2005 Kashmir Earthquake ()
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 the
epicenter near the town of Muzaffarabad. The survey questionnaires were designed
to address perceptions of seismic knowledge, event-related behavior, and opinions
of local, regional, and national seismic preparedness and mitigation-representing a rare opportunity
in seismic risk assessment. Some of the findings were similar to previous research
results, 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 regarding
future earthquake preparedness and mitigation was high (~50%), contrary to most
prior studies. Less than
five percent of respondents believed that “no quake would occur again”, while nearly 75% responded that another quake would
occur within 5 - 10 years, another opinion contrary to
previous research. This research revealed new aspects of risk perception in the
predominant Muslim communities of Northern Pakistan regarding recurrence, post-event
action, and regional preparedness.
Share and Cite:
Bahram, I. and R. Paradise, T. (2020) Seismic Risk Perception Assessment of Earthquake Survivors: A Case Study from the 2005 Kashmir Earthquake.
Open Journal of Earthquake Research,
9, 403-416. doi:
10.4236/ojer.2020.95023.
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