The Influence of Earthquake and Tsunami Mitigation Socialization on the Coastal Community of Palu, Central Sulawesi Province

Background and aim: This research discusses the tsunami disaster caused by an earthquake in coastal areas, especially in Palu Bay, Central Sulawesi. A tsunami is a water wave that occurs due to sudden changes in vertical sea level, which can be triggered by an earthquake under the sea. Palu Bay is a vulnerable area and has experienced a similar disaster on September 28 2018, which caused casualties and material losses. Mitigation to reduce the possibility of disasters and reduce community vulnerability. The results of interviews with affected communities showed a lack of preparation and panic reactions during the earthquake and tsunami. This research aims to analyze the influence of socialization on earthquake and tsunami mitigation on the knowledge, attitudes and actions of the community on the Palu Bay Coast.
Materials and methods: The research method uses a quasi-experimental design with a pre-post test in one group. This research was carried out in coastal communities in Palu City involving 136 respondents from 4 sub-districts, the sampling technique was purposive sampling.
Results: Characteristics of respondents: 53.7% male; the largest age category is 36-45 years 33.1%; marital status: 74.3% were married; Education level category 55.1% high school/equivalent; and 79.75% lived in Palu for more than 21 years. The results of research data analysis show that there is an increase in community knowledge and actions after socialization. Bivariate analysis using the Wilcoxon test shows pre-post knowledge with sig. 0.003 (<0.05); and pre-post action with sig 0.003 (< 0.05), this shows that statistically there is an influence of socialization about mitigation on community knowledge and actions. Meanwhile, for pre-post socialization attitudes with sig. 0.639 (> 0.05); this result shows that statistically there is no influence before and after mitigation socialization on community attitudes.
Conclusion: There is an influence of socialization on earthquake and tsunami mitigation on knowledge and action, and there is no influence of socialization on attitudes towards earthquake and tsunami mitigation after the socialization is carried out.