A Phenomenological Study of Community Preparedness Experiencesin Facing the Flood Disaster in Napai Village of West Woyla Sub-District of West Aceh District

Abstract

West Aceh District, one of the districts in Aceh province, Indonesia, is often affected by natural disasters. At the end of 2016, the number of flooded areasreached139 villages in nine sub-districts,causing flood victims and displaced of 14,245 families,consisting of 49,856 people and one died. The most affected area in West Aceh was Napai Village of West Woyla sub-district since the village was traversed by WoylaRiver. The significant impact of floods was not only on the destroyed physical environment, but also on the declining health status of the families due to the emergence of post-disaster diseases. Therefore, aside from the government, the community should also make an effort for disaster preparedness to minimize the losses. Disaster preparedness can be defined as an attempt that allows the government, organizations, communities and individuals to respond quickly and effectively to any disaster. This study aimed to explain or explore the experiences of the community to flood preparedness in Napai Village, West Woyla sub-district. This was a qualitative study using a descriptive phenomenology approach. Respondents were the residents affected by floods located inthe Napai area. The respondents were selected by using the purposive sampling technique, following the principles of appropriateness and adequacy. Data collection techniques involved standard procedural methods such as in-depth interview, focus group discussion and observation. The results of the study showed four important themes: the flood impact experienced by the community, the sources of knowledge of the flood prevention program,the community preparedness in coping with the flood disaster, and the government's role in dealing with the flood disaster. It is suggested that the BPBD improve the public preparedness in facing the flood disaster by conducting socialization and simulation of flood disaster management.