Analysis of natural disaster risk perception and disaster education focused on The Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste

The Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste is one of countries on the Pacific ring of fire, and according to European commission, it might be vulnerable and struggle during disaster. In fact, this country has experienced some serious disaster, especially Cyclone Seroja in April 2021. The cyclone caused significant damage and the river in the capital city, Dili, has been in a state of collapse. In this study, we conducted a questionnaire survey to educational institutions in October. As a result, we found out East Timorese’s disaster risk perception and real disaster education situation. They had a fear of earthquake, flood, tsunami, and landslide. However, they didn’t have a fear of heavy rain which might strike those disasters. In addition, approximately 80% of respondents expressed an interest in learning about earthquake, flood, tsunami, and landslide in school. This result suggests that disaster education in the Republic of Timor-Leste may be insufficient and in need of improvement.