Disaster-prone areas are regions or locations that are highly susceptible to natural or man-made hazards that can lead to significant damage, loss of life and disruption of livelihoods.
These areas are characterised by a heightened likelihood of experiencing one or more types of hazards. These could be floods, earthquakes, cyclones, landslides or industrial accidents.
It is, therefore, not uncommon for people staying in disaster-prone areas to face repeated cycles of hardship as a result of disasters that may result from the associated hazards in these disaster-prone areas.
Now, despite the repeated cycles of devastating impacts, a significant number of individuals and community members continue to reside in these high-risk zones, often rebuilding their lives only to face similar threats in the future. This begs the question: Why do people continue to stay in such perilous conditions.
One of the primary motivations for staying in disaster-prone areas is economic necessity. Many people live in these regions because they rely on the land for their livelihoods. Rural communities, for example, may depend on farming, fishing or pastoralism, which are often concentrated in areas that are susceptible to natural hazards.
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Coastal communities, for instance, may depend on fishing or tourism for their income and while these areas are vulnerable to cyclones or tsunamis, the economic benefits may often outweigh the risks.
Similarly, people living near volcanoes or floodplains may have access to fertile soils for agriculture, which, despite the risks, offer high agricultural yields.
In many developing countries, the availability of arable land may be limited. Further, the lack of alternative livelihood opportunities means that community members are often left with little choice but to stay, even at the expense of their safety.
Besides economics, deep social and cultural ties are another significant reason why communities continue to stay in disaster-prone areas. For many individuals, their homes and land are not just places of shelter, but are deeply attached to their identity, history and heritage.
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Generational attachment to the land can make the idea of leaving feel inconceivable. For instance, in rural communities, ancestral homes are seen as irreplaceable, and the thought of abandoning them can be emotionally devastating. In addition, social networks such as extended families, friends and neighbours are often concentrated in these areas, and people are motivated to stay to remain close to their support systems.
Cultural practices and traditions may also be tied to specific locations, further entrenching the desire to remain in such areas. In many cases, local customs, beliefs and practices or festivals are integral to a community’s way of life and relocating may not only mean physical displacement but the loss of cultural identity.
Another crucial factor in the decision to stay in disaster-prone areas is the perception of risk, a phenomenon called normalisation. This is a process by which people become used to the dangers of their environment, mainly having experienced frequent exposures.
This implies that over time, the threat of disaster may be seen as an inevitable part of life rather than an event to fear. People in such areas may accept that disasters are a natural part of their lived experience, hence they rebuild their homes after each disaster rather than considering relocation as a viable option.
Further, the perception of risk is often distorted by what one would call optimism bias; the belief that future disasters will not be as severe as the ones that have already occurred, leading to individuals underestimating the potential for future destruction.
In some cases, the decision to stay in disaster-prone areas is influenced by the lack of viable alternatives. Therefore, even if people are aware of the risks, the absence of affordable housing, jobs and infrastructure in other areas often forces them to remain where they are.
Additionally, government support and resettlement programmes may be inadequate or non-existent. In some countries, particularly those in the lower-income bracket, governments may lack the resources or political will to offer meaningful relocation options for people living in disaster-prone areas.
Consequently, people may feel abandoned or unsupported by the authorities, further entrenching their decision to stay and continue with their lives as best as they can.
Another often-overlooked factor is the psychology of resilience. Human beings are inherently adaptive, and people staying in disaster-prone areas often develop remarkable resilience in the face of adversity.
For most, surviving a disaster strengthens their resolve to stay and rebuild. The sense of accomplishment after recovering from a disaster and then rebuilding homes, schools and businesses can foster a sense of hope and determination, hence community members not wanting to relocate.
Additionally, communities in disaster prone areas often create strong informal support networks to help one another during recovery periods, which can foster a sense of solidarity and community strength.
Psychological attachment to home and place can also play a significant role. Even in areas where the risks are known and evident, the comfort of familiarity, thus seeing the same landscapes, living near extended family members and practicing familiar routines, among other things, can outweigh the fear of future disasters.
Therefore, many of these people find it difficult to imagine life elsewhere and are willing to take the risks associated with living in these areas.
Therefore, the decision to remain in disaster-prone areas is influenced by a complex combination of economic, social, cultural as well as psychological factors. For many, the economic benefits of staying outweigh the risks, especially in areas where livelihoods depend on local resources.
Social connections, cultural ties and a normalisation of risk further entrench people’s attachment to these locations. Meanwhile, the lack of viable alternatives and insufficient government support often leave individuals with no choice but to continue staying in hazardous environments.
Addressing the issue of disaster vulnerability, including vulnerability of those staying in disaster prone areas, requires not just technical solutions but a deep understanding of the human factors that influence decision-making.
Therefore, building resilience, providing economic alternatives and fostering community-based disaster management strategies, including planned relocation, are crucial steps in helping vulnerable populations deal with the complex reality of staying in high-risk and disaster-prone areas.
