Exploring Household Preparedness towards Earthquakes along the East African Rift Systems in Tanzania: A Case of the Bukoba Municipality

Tanzanian households in the East African Rift System (EARS) are susceptible to regular earthquake shocks, but it is uncertain how they are prepared to handle the consequences. Residents of Bukoba Municipality are particularly at risk because of its location along the EARS, rapid population growth, and encroachment of earthquake fault zones. This study was conducted in the Kashai and Hamugembe wards of the municipality to examine household readiness for potential earthquakes. A mixed-methods approach was used, gathering data from 391 respondents, 8 key informants, and 12 focus group participants through a questionnaire survey, interviews, focus group discussions (FGD), and physical visits. Qualitative and quantitative data were analysed using content and descriptive statistics, respectively. The findings revealed that most respondents were unaware of the cause of earthquakes and safety measures. The dominant earthquake skill in the study area was evacuation (58.3%). Furthermore, 86.2% of respondents lived in unreinforced buildings, water was the most reserved emergency item (39.4%), and mobile phones were prevalent (96.2%) means of communication and information. We also found that neighbour contacts were the most (91.8%) emergency number respondents had. The limited knowledge and skills, lack of emergency items, and unreinforced buildings indicate that residents are at significant earthquake risk. However, the widespread use of mobile phones presents an opportunity for effective knowledge dissemination. We recommend investing in public earthquake awareness programmes and using multimedia to disseminate earthquake information. Additionally, the government should implement earthquake-resistant construction regulations and improve communication among local communities and first responders.