Non-evacuation to cyclone shelters and the imperative of implementing disaster-resilient community-based housing and shelter plans.

UNLABELLED: Despite considerable progress in cyclone monitoring, early warning dissemination, evacuation planning and strengthening community confidence in alerts, one unresolved issue remains: why many residents opt not to evacuate during life-threatening events. A wide body of research has explored the factors influencing the hesitation of Bangladesh's coastal communities to seek refuge in cyclone shelters during emergencies. Drawing on primary data obtained through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), participant observation and field visits, this study examines residents' choices of shelter during recent cyclones in Bangladesh. In addition, it highlights a community-driven proposal for a sustainable solution. The study reveals a significant improvement in public trust towards cyclone warnings in Bangladesh, with confidence levels increasing from 56% during the 1991 cyclone to 96% by the time of Cyclone Amphan in 2020. The main reasons people choose not to evacuate during cyclones include the presence of stronger housing, worries about conditions in public shelters, the need to protect livelihoods and belongings, limited transport and logistical barriers, personal perceptions and attitudes, and issues related to the nature of cyclone warnings.

CONTRIBUTION: This study investigates the underlying reasons for residents' reluctance to evacuate, focusing on their tendency to remain at home or move to nearby durable buildings. Such avoidance of cyclone shelters, even after warnings, underscores the urgency of developing community-based housing and shelter systems with disaster resilience. We recommend a housing model that addresses essential needs while aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals 2015-2030 (SDGs 3, 6, 7, and 13).