Determining the factors affecting the disaster resilience of countries by geographical weighted regression

The effects of natural and technological disasters on human, the environment, economy and social life can be prevented via scientific and technological developments. Especially, international scientific studies provide a better understanding of the nature, characteristics and effects of di-sasters. Therefore, a more resilient community can be built after disasters by reducing the damages of disasters at national and international level. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors affecting the disaster resilience of countries. In this study, by analyzing the data of 181 countries in 2018 and 2019, the rate of total population affected by disasters was employed as dependent variable and the factors indicating the development level of countries as independent variables. The data were analyzed with the help of ArcGIS 10.7 program using ordinary least squares regression analysis that reveals general relationships and geographical weighted regres-sion analysis that shows local relationships across study area. In conclusion, in the general model, compulsory education duration in 2018 was the only variable that positively and significantly predicted the rate of total population affected by disasters. While neonatal mortality rate and unemployment predicted positively and significantly the rate of total population affected by di-sasters in 2019, urban population rate predicted negatively and significantly. The effect of all the independent variables on the rate of total population affected by disasters differed depending on time and region. The result of this study is expected to contribute to the national and international organizations responsible for disaster risk reduction efforts to prepare more effective and efficient disaster plans. In addition, the method and approach of this study may give an idea to scientists investigating on disasters.

Automated summary

The effects of natural and technological disasters can be prevented through scientific and technological developments. This study aimed to investigate the factors affecting the disaster resilience of countries. By analyzing data from 181 countries, the study identified variables that contributed to the rate of population affected by disasters. The findings of the study have implications for disaster risk reduction efforts and can guide future research in this area.