Social Participation and Disaster Risk Reduction Behaviors in Tsunami Prone Areas

This paper examines the relationships between social participation and disaster risk reduction
actions. A survey of 557 households in tsunami prone areas in Phang Nga, Thailand
was conducted following the 2012 Indian Ocean earthquakes. We use a multivariate probit
model to jointly estimate the likelihood of undertaking three responses to earthquake and
tsunami hazards (namely, (1) following disaster-related news closely, (2) preparing emergency
kits and/or having a family emergency plan, and (3) having an intention to migrate)
and community participation.We find that those who experienced losses from the 2004 tsunami
are more likely to participate in community activities and respond to earthquake hazards.
Compared to men, women are more likely to prepare emergency kits and/or have an
emergency plan and have a greater intention to migrate. Living in a community with a higher
proportion of women with tertiary education increases the probability of engaging in community
activities and carrying out disaster risk reduction measures. Individuals who participate
in village-based activities are 5.2% more likely to undertake all three risk reduction actions
compared to those not engaging in community activities. This implies that encouraging participation
in community activities can have positive externalities in disaster mitigation.