SEISMIC RISK, INFRASTRUCTURE VULNERABILITY, AND HOUSEHOLD PREPAREDNESS IN ABUJA, NIGERIA: AN INTEGRATED URBAN PLANNING ASSESSMENT

 Accelerated urbanization, in nations that experience low-moderate seismic activity, can however be characterized by significant risk through exposure, fragility, and lack of preparedness. This research estimated the spatial distribution of reported activity, perceived structure vulnerability, community risk, and household preparedness in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. An interdisciplinary mixed method research design explored literature, constructed response and structured survey questionnaires (conducted on 180 residents), conducted some field observations and mapping using a GIS, and incorporated qualitative evidence through interviews and open-ended questions. A combination of descriptive statistics and weighted indices summarized community and household vulnerability and preparedness status, while exploratory Spearman rank correlation and the Kendall’s coefficient of concordance appraised associations among perceived awareness, guidance, and individual responsiveness. Places with reported activity (Gpagi Village, Bwari Village, Maitama Extension) were identified as high priority for seismic microzonation. Community ranking of infrastructure as most vulnerable (81.5%), community density and context as second most vulnerable domain (77.4%), and community resilience as third most vulnerable domain (74.8%) illustrated however community perception of a low level of risk (at 61.1%) and knowledge of the right actions to take during tremors (at 52.8%), but not their individual responsiveness (at 27.8%) or institutional support (at 47.2%), as well as lack of multiple preparedness action (with only 47.2% having already taken any action and thus only 27.8% concurrently identified sufficient institutional guidance). House-hold actions like low-cost participatory measures (such securing furniture, identifying safe exits) generally were more popular than expensive structural actions. Though Abuja experiences no high level of hazard, the interaction of localized vulnerability, rapid urban development, vulnerable infrastructure, and weak messaging increases risk. A comprehensive risk management and reduction strategy needs seismic hazard analyses and mapping, planned development regulations, structural audits of structural critical infrastructures, and community-based disaster preparedness programmes.