Household Vulnerability and Preparedness for Disasters in Haiti

Gustavo Canavire-Bacarreza, Naraya Carrasco, Marlen Yamilet Cardona Botero and Olive Nsababera

No 10699, Policy Research Working Paper Series from The World Bank

Abstract: This paper examines the socioeconomic factors correlated with vulnerability to natural hazards, using unique data from the High-Frequency Phone Surveys conducted in Haiti in 2021, 2022, and 2023. The results indicate a high overall exposure to hazards, with a significant number of individuals living in households facing the threat of multiple hazards. The analysis finds that disaster preparedness is generally low, with the poorest households experiencing the most significant challenges. Households in the bottom two wealth quintiles are less likely to have the necessary supplies to prepare adequately for and respond to disasters compared to those in the upper quintiles. Moreover, the level of education of the household head and access to the internet are found to be correlated with the likelihood of having better disaster preparedness. This suggests that higher levels of education and internet access play a significant role in improving preparedness levels among households. Overall, these findings highlight the importance of addressing socioeconomic factors when developing strategies to enhance resilience to natural hazards. By focusing on improving disaster preparedness among the most vulnerable households and promoting education and internet access, policy makers can mitigate the negative impacts of natural disasters on affected communities.

Date: 2024-02-09
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