Understanding Seismic Hazard Resilience in Montenegro: A Qualitative Analysis of Community Preparedness and Response Capabilities
Enhancing resilience against seismic hazards in earthquake-prone regions is essential for reducing the devastating impacts of disasters. Our study focuses on Montenegro—a region with frequent seismic activity—to assess resilience levels, identify critical gaps in preparedness, and evaluate the effectiveness of existing response strategies. Using qualitative methods, including semi-structured interviews with residents from Montenegro's most vulnerable cities (Nikšić, Podgorica, Bar, Kotor, Cetinje, Budva, Herceg Novi, and Berane), we gathered insights from those with first-hand experience of significant earthquakes. Key findings include: Significant disparities in resilience across communities. Approximately 62.5% of respondents…