Changes in Society after Natural Disasters

Natural disasters greatly affect people’s lives, both in terms of behavior and socio-economic conditions. This study aimED to determine and analyze changes in the behavior and socio-economic conditions of the community after natural disasters in Palu City. This research was designed qualitatively with a descriptive approach. The population of this research was the people of Palu City. The research sample was determined purposively. The data collection technique was a direct observation in the field and in-depth interviews. The data analysis was carried out qualitatively, consisting of the data reduction stage, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The results of the study found that there had been a change in the behavior and socio-economic conditions of the people of Palu City after the earthquake disaster on September 28, 2018. Changes in behavior were indicated from mutual help and kinship between individuals in society which was higher after the disaster. Even the community seems to have family ties to each other even though they are not. Meanwhile, from the socio-economic conditions, there have also been significant changes marked by changes in life in the post-disaster community. Many people have lost their property due to infrastructure damage and this has made the social and economic conditions of the community deteriorate. Damage to infrastructure has resulted in the loss of job opportunities, which then has an impact on decreasing community income after the disaster.