Factors influencing Indigenous evacuation behavior under large-scale landslide in Taiwan

In 2009, Typhoon Morakot struck Taiwan, causing a massive landslide disaster in Xiaolin Village resulting in 491 deaths. Subsequently, the Taiwanese government initiated active investigations and public awareness campaigns concerning large-scale landslide-prone areas. By 2022, 36 priority areas for large-scale landslide management had been identified, with up to 25 of these areas situated in indigenous communities. This study examined 20 indigenous communities affected by large-scale landslides, with households located in potential impact zones. A total of 169 questionnaires were randomly distributed, and 168 valid responses were collected in 2022. The survey revealed several key findings: 48.8% of residents were unaware that their homes were within areas prone to large-scale landslides, 39.3% had no evacuation experience during the past decade, and 66.1% had not attended seminars or workshops on large-scale landslide disasters. However, a significant majority, comprising 88.1% of residents, expressed willingness to comply with government evacuation mechanisms, with 75% citing “concerns for personal safety and family well-being” as the primary reason for evacuating. Among the minority (11.9%) unwilling to evacuate, 80% indicated that they “believed their homes were safe from such disasters.” Further analysis using logistic regression revealed that attendance at disaster seminars significantly increased residents’ awareness of their homes’ susceptibility to large-scale landslides. Additionally, those with prior evacuation experiences demonstrated greater crisis awareness and a likelihood of being willing to evacuate when necessary. Based on the research findings, this study suggests that authorities should enhance risk communication by collaborating with trusted community figures, prioritize transport logistics, and incorporate Indigenous social capital and local knowledge to improve culturally sensitive and effective disaster planning and preparedness.