Multi-hazard perception during COVID-19: Evidence from rural communities in West Sumatra, Indonesia

Risk perception in a multi-hazard environment improves the ability of risk prioritization management. The undertaken approaches to reduce the negative impacts of the disaster differ from the single hazard's effects. This work applies an online survey targeting West Sumatra-Indonesia rural communities, aiming to examine their perception of multi-hazards during the COVID-19 pandemic. Descriptive statistical results show that drought, the COVID-19, and earthquakes were perceived to have a proportionally more significant effect on rural communities. Unlike urban areas, rural characteristics have created barriers for the COVID-19 to spread. As a result, the economic sector is considered as the most important factors in comparison to health. Labor migration and social conflicts become more apparent, whereas farmer groups were absent in providing basic supports to their members. Likely, borrowing cash from relatives and financial institutions would be the most applicable option to reduce farmers' vulnerability.