Naveed Akhtar - Simulating individual and household responses to natural disasters and extreme weather events

• Presenting author: Naveed Akhtar (Hazara University)

• Authors: Naveed Akhtar

• Session: B03D - Environment - Tuesday 14:00-15:30 - Erika-Weinzierl Hall

Natural disasters and extreme weather events, intensified by climate change, pose significant threats to populations worldwide. Understanding individual and household responses to these events is paramount for effective disaster preparedness and response. This study employs a microsimulation model to simulate individual decision-making processes and behaviors during and after various disaster scenarios, including hurricanes, floods, and heatwaves. The model integrates demographic data, socio-economic variables, and historical disaster response trends to predict patterns of evacuation, sheltering, resource utilization, and post-event mobility. Preliminary results indicate that socio-economic status, prior experience, and local infrastructure significantly influence individual decisions during extreme events. For instance, lower-income households displayed delayed evacuation patterns, primarily due to limited resources and access to information. The simulation also highlighted the importance of targeted communication and localized response efforts in areas with high elderly or vulnerable populations. This research underscores the value of microsimulation models in informing disaster management policies, ensuring they are tailored to the diverse needs of affected individuals and communities.