Earthquake vulnerability disaster in the Lembang district of West Bandung Regency, Indonesia

Abstract

This research is concerned with an analysis of the level of vulnerability for an earthquake disaster in Lembang district, an area in West Java that includes the Bandung basin and has a high potential for earthquake disaster. The Lembang district is close to the active Lembang fault whose movement can cause earthquakes of magnitude 7 on the Richter scale (Tempo Interaktif, May 11, 2010). The research method used to assess the level of vulnerability is essentially a descriptive approach. The data analysis is based on calculating an earthquake disaster risk index (EDRI), which is in turn based on assessment of the region's social, physical and economic vulnerabilities. The vulnerability level for earthquake disaster in the Lembang is ranked as medium category. The social vulnerability of the population is the major contributing factor given the high population density and growth rate for the region. The physical characteristics of the district, which includes mild temperatures and attractive scenery, make many people want to stay in and visit Lembang. The construction quality of buildings is so bad that they are not designed to withstand earthquakes, so improvement of building infrastructure is an alternative to reducing the various physical vulnerabilities.