In the aftermath of a disaster, levels of trust in authorities tend to decline significantly

The change in the level of trust in authorities and perceived nuclear risk after the Fukushima accident was also demonstrated in the study by Huang and colleagues (Huang et al., 2013). In this study, the authors compared results of two surveys conducted with Chinese citizens the first of these surveys was conducted three years before, while the second was conducted immediately after the Fukushima accident. Results showed that the Fukushima accident affected the level of perceived risk in Chinese people the average perceived risk increased from limited risk (2.8) to great risk (4.6) on the five-point Likert scale. Additionally, after the Fukushima accident, the general level of trust in authorities declined significantly.

Note: See source document for full reference.

Cultural Factors: Individual/collective memory, Attitudes toward authorities

Hazards: Man-made non-intentional hazards or emergency situations, Man-made intentional hazards

Disaster Phases: Prevention, Preparedness, Response, Recovery, All disaster phases

Types of Actors Concerned: Non-active citizens, Local authorities, Government

Recommendations:

• Engage in activities and develop strategies aiming to improve trust between citizens and authorities