Evaluation of disaster preparedness in educational infrastructure of remote geographies using Analytical Hierarchy process

Abstract

This research paper assesses the disaster preparedness of educational infrastructure in Central Kashmir, employing the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) methodology. Its primary objective is to gauge the preparedness level of educational institutions and identify crucial factors influencing their capacity to effectively mitigate and respond to disasters. The study utilized a sample of 620 institutions, comprising 340 government and 280 private institutions, with 1240 respondents selected via stratified random sampling across Budgam, Srinagar, and Ganderbal areas of Central Kashmir. Results reveal that 73 % of the surveyed institutions in the region lack preparedness, while only 27 % demonstrate >50 < 100 % preparedness for handling multiple disaster scenarios. Notably, private institutions exhibit significantly higher individual disaster preparedness compared to their counterparts in government institutions. Additionally, the study identifies earthquakes as the primary concern, with fires, floods, and landslides perceived to have a comparatively lesser impact on individuals’ perception and awareness. These findings offer critical insights into the gaps and challenges within disaster preparedness in remote areas such as the Valley of Kashmir. This paper serves as a foundation for crafting targeted strategies aimed at bolstering the resilience of educational infrastructure throughout the region.