DISASTER PREPAREDNESS, AWARENESS, AND PRACTICES OF RESIDENTS WITHIN RIVERINE FLOODING-AFFECTED AREAS IN DAVAO CITY, PHILIPPINES

Abstract

Awareness and preparedness of residents living in accident-prone areas is imperative to avoid losing lives and properties. This is the case for the people living in riverines frequented by flood; they must be well-informed, prepared, and quick to repair the damages after the incident. It is the main reason the study was conducted, particularly about the levels of disaster preparedness, awareness adaptation, and mitigation practices of residents within riverine flooding-affected areas in Davao City. Four hundred residents along the riverine in Davao City were surveyed, and the data gathered were treated using statistical tools such as Mean, Pearson r, and Multiple Regressions. The result of the study disclosed that the residents of riverine flood-affected areas in Davao City rated their disaster preparedness as very high, as well as their disaster awareness, indicating that they are prepared and well-informed about the effects of floods. They also rated their adapting behavior and mitigation high, showing they knew how to adjust to their situation. Disaster preparedness is correlated to adaptation and mitigation; also, disaster awareness is correlated with adaptation and mitigation. The indicator of disaster awareness, namely flooding risk, strongly influences adaptation and mitigation. The implication of the study concerns the city government's action of relocating the people living in the area to avoid disastrous events.