Effectiveness of an Awareness Programme on Knowledge of Disaster Preparedness in Low Lying Flood Prone Areas of Udupi

An evaluative study was conducted with an objective to assess the effectiveness of an awareness programme on knowledge and practices of disaster preparedness among residents of low-lying flood prone areas of Udupi Taluk. A pre-experimental one group pre-test post-test design was used. The sample included fifty eight subjects who were selected through purposive sampling. Pre-test data was collected by using a self-administered knowledge questionnaire. An awareness programme on disaster preparedness in floods was conducted and the post-test was conducted seven days later. The study found that the awareness programme was effective in improving the knowledge and practices of disaster preparedness among the residents of flood prone areas. The residents of flood prone areas have to be educated regarding disaster preparedness so that vulnerability to the consequences of floods can be reduced. As we are witnessing dramatic climatic changes these days, it is necessary to equip the vulnerable people with knowledge that can be reduce the ill effects of disasters, particularly floods.