Mortality and mobility: understanding the impact of family member death on post-disaster mobility

The literature on migration has traditionally emphasized economic factors as the primary drivers of migration. However, recent research has started to explore the social dimensions of migration and mobility. While a growing body of evidence supports the role of sustained social relationships in shaping migration behavior, less attention has been given to the loss of social relationships. To isolate the relationship between the loss of social ties and mobility, this study examines the impact of an unexpected mortality shock, the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, on subsequent migration behaviors. Using data from the Study of the Tsunami Aftermath and Recovery (STAR), this paper employs logistic regression to investigate how the loss of a close family member influences post-disaster mobility. Our research findings indicate that the death of a family member increases the probability of post-disaster residential instability, encompassing both short-term displacement and longer-term relocations. These outcomes emphasize that mobility is not solely propelled by sustained social connections. In the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, the loss of social ties played a significant role in shaping displacement and migration.