Author(s)

S. A. Alshehri, Y. Rezgui & H. Li

Abstract

Purpose: Saudi Arabia has recently experienced a number of natural disasters, including floods, epidemics and dust storms. Preparing a community to overcome disasters enhances its capacity to recover from potentially induced negative impacts. Therefore, building community resilience to disaster is a fundamental necessity for disaster management. The objective of this study is to identify the factors that can be used to improve readiness in Saudi Arabia in relation to disasters. Methodology: This study is based on a questionnaire survey across 13 regions in Saudi Arabia and focuses on Jeddah city in Makkah Province as a case study given its experience with flooding, in particular ones that occurred in 2009 and 2010. The questionnaire was conducted in March for two months in 2012 and resulted in 267 responses. Findings: The results show that a number of factors such as willingness and faith are essential to building community resilience to disaster. However, some factors which would assist in building community resilience, such as personal experience of disasters, are overlooked. Research limitations: This research was conducted amongst people who have access to email, consequently not allowing access to those who do not. Keywords: disasters, community resilience, Makkah Province, Saudi Arabia.

Keywords

disasters, community resilience, Makkah Province, Saudi Arabia