Earthquake Vulnerability in West Nusa Tenggara: Risk Perception, Previous Experience and Preparedness

Abstract

Indonesia is a disaster-prone country. It is proven by the occurrence of various disasters that continuously affect various regions, whether it is caused by natural factors (earthquakes, tsunami, floods, volcanic eruptions, landslides, hurricanes, etc.), or by non-natural factors such as various consequences of technological failure and human activity. Generally, the disasters that occur causing suffering to the community, both in the form of human loss of property and damage to the environment and the destruction of the results of development achieved. Earthquake disaster potential affecting West Nusa Tenggara Island consists of 2 parts, namely the Indo-Australian subduction zone in the south of West Nusa Tenggara and a back arc thrust in the north of West Nusa Tenggara. Therefore, the frequency of earthquake events in West Nusa Tenggara is high. One of these efforts is to reduce the level of social vulnerability. Social vulnerability is often forgotten in the earthquake disaster management process, some activities are more often focused on efforts to knowledge of building structures and physical problems. Social vulnerability analysis is the state of an area that is affected by physical, social, cultural, and environment to prevent, reduce in response to disasters. Earthquakes are natural disasters that cannot be predicted when they occur accurately, so there needs to be an effort to minimize the vulnerability of the community.

Community Preparedness for Earthquakes Based on Settlement Environment Analysis.

“…Bengkulu Province lies between 101°41'E and 02°16'-03°31'S (1). With an area of 19,919.33 km 2 , it has nine regencies, 126 sub-districts, one city, and 148 villages. These areas are divided into three physiographical areas: including lowlands located along the west coast, hills located in the central region, and mountains located in the eastern region, precisely adjacent to South Sumatra and Jambi.…”

“…Bengkulu is located on an active collision zone between two tectonic plates, namely the Eurasian Plate and the Indo-Australian Plate. Therefore earthquakes, floods, landslides, and tidal waves are common in Bengkulu (2).…”