Social vulnerability to earthquake disaster: insights from the people of 48th ward of Dhaka South City, Bangladesh

ABSTRACT This study sheds light on investigating the root causes, dynamic pressure and unsafe conditions to the progression of social vulnerability of the people residing in 48th ward of Hazaribagh Thana, Dhaka South City (DSC) of Bangladesh. We employed qualitative method to explore people’s knowledge, views and perceptions on the production of social vulnerability to earthquake disasters. We utilized key informant interviews (KIIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) to find out the research objectives. Applying purposive sampling, the study selected a total of 16 informants for conducting KIIs, and 25 informants were chosen for administering FGDs. Examining the Pressure and Release (PAR) model developed by Wisner et al., (2011), the research revealed that low income status of the family, single headed family, lack of proper health services, unavailability of urban emergency center, limited access to power, and political systems contributed to the production of root causes of the progression of social vulnerability. The dynamic pressures involved lack of appropriate skills, unplanned residences and industry, rapid population growth, which played vital role to the production of vulnerability. Finally, the poor housing materials, dangerous location, and lack of first aid documents found associated with the unsafe conditions of the creation of vulnerability of earthquake hazards.