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Behavioral Response to a Rapid Onset Disaster: The Case of the 4 August 2020 Beirut, Lebanon, Port Explosions

Session: Analyses and Implications of the 4 August 2020 Beirut Explosion Series II

Type: Oral

Date: 4/23/2021

Presentation Time: 10:00 AM Pacific

Description: 

On August 4th 2020, a double explosion detonated in the port of Beirut. This double explosion, which caused more than 200 deaths and 7500 injuries, was considered by seismological monitoring networks to be equivalent to a tremor of a magnitude of 3.4 (CSEM). We are interested in the behavioral response of individuals in Lebanon to earthquakes in order to model seismic crises in Beirut. Although earthquakes and explosions are two distinct phenomena and may invoke different behaviors, both events are rapid onset disasters. Moreover, previous post-seismic surveys have shown that in an earthquake some individuals may recognize an explosion in the first few moments.

In order to better understand the behavioral response of the population following the double explosion, an online survey was launched on August 18th, 2020. The link to the survey was diffused through personal and professional networks, as well as social media platforms and websites of local partners. The questionnaire was made available in three languages: Arabic, French and English. The survey questioned what people felt and perceived (environmental signals), the way they gathered information regarding the event, what people did following both explosions and the reason why they behaved in such a way, especially when they were outside a building. Survey data were obtained from 559 persons, 223 located in Beirut during the explosions and 336 outside Beirut. While the first explosion was thought to be an earthquake by 48% of the 326 respondents who felt it, the scond was identified as a non-tectonic event by 70% of the 479 respondents who felt it.

Out of the 389 people who were in buildings during the second explosion, 25% reported leaving the building. Going outside is found to be correlated with the building’s damage level. Once outside, the adopted behaviors were linked to social ties: joining a family member and going home are found to be the modal behavioral responses. The survey results also highlight the population’s lack of knowledge in the location of open spaces to take shelter in case of emergency.

Presenting Author: Rouba Iskandar

Student Presenter: Yes

Authors