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Course code: 222ECE096

Natural Hazards and Impact Management
Syllabus & Course plan

Module 2 Total Lecture hours: 8

Fundamentals of vulnerability and risk assessment
2.1 Introduction to vulnerability 1
2.2 Vulnerability types and their assessment- physical, social, economic 3
and environmental vulnerability.
2.3 Disaster risk assessment –approaches, procedures 1
2.4 Elements of risk mapping, assessment, and reduction strategies 3

Introduction to vulnerability

Vulnerability refers to the degree to which individuals, communities, or systems

are susceptible to harm or negative impacts from various hazards or stressors.
Vulnerability can be influenced by a variety of factors, including social, economic,
political, and environmental conditions.

In the context of hazards, vulnerability is determined by the exposure, sensitivity,

and adaptive capacity of individuals or communities. Exposure refers to the likelihood
of a hazard affecting an individual or community, while sensitivity refers to the degree
to which they are affected by the hazard. Adaptive capacity refers to the ability of
individuals or communities to cope with the impacts of the hazard and recover from
them.

For example, a community that is located in a flood-prone area may be more

vulnerable to the impacts of a flood than a community that is located in an area that is
not prone to flooding. The vulnerable community may have limited access to resources,
such as emergency services and evacuation routes, and may lack the financial resources
to rebuild after a flood. On the other hand, a community that is not prone to flooding
may have more resources and better infrastructure to cope with a flood event.

Vulnerability can also be influenced by social and economic factors, such as

poverty, inequality, and marginalization. Communities that are marginalized or
disadvantaged may have limited access to resources and services, which can make them
more vulnerable to the impacts of hazards.

Understanding vulnerability is essential in developing effective strategies for

disaster risk reduction and management. By identifying and addressing the underlying
factors that contribute to vulnerability, communities and individuals can become more
resilient to hazards and better able to cope with their impacts.

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Vulnerability types and their assessment- physical, social, economic and

environmental vulnerability

There are different types of vulnerability that can be assessed, depending on the
specific context and hazards being considered. Some common types of vulnerability
include:

• Social vulnerability: Social vulnerability refers to the susceptibility of

communities or groups to hazards based on social factors such as poverty,
marginalization, gender, age, and disability. Social vulnerability assessments
typically focus on identifying vulnerable groups and assessing their exposure,
sensitivity, and adaptive capacity to hazards.
• Environmental vulnerability: Environmental vulnerability refers to the
susceptibility of natural ecosystems and resources to hazards, such as climate
change, pollution, and deforestation. Environmental vulnerability assessments
typically focus on identifying areas of high risk and assessing the impacts of
hazards on ecosystems and natural resources.
• Economic vulnerability: Economic vulnerability refers to the susceptibility of
individuals or communities to economic shocks and disruptions, such as
unemployment, economic inequality, and financial instability. Economic
vulnerability assessments typically focus on assessing the resilience of economic
systems and identifying measures to reduce vulnerability to economic shocks.
• Physical vulnerability: Physical vulnerability refers to the susceptibility of
buildings, infrastructure, and other physical assets to hazards, such as
earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes. Physical vulnerability assessments typically
focus on assessing the vulnerability of buildings and infrastructure and
identifying measures to improve their resilience to hazards.

Assessing vulnerability typically involves a combination of qualitative and

quantitative methods, including surveys, interviews, field observations, and data
analysis. Vulnerability assessments may also include mapping exercises to identify
areas of high risk and vulnerability. The results of vulnerability assessments can be used
to develop strategies for disaster risk reduction and management, including measures to
reduce exposure, increase adaptive capacity, and improve resilience.

Social vulnerability

Social vulnerability refers to the characteristics and conditions of individuals and

communities that make them more susceptible to the impacts of hazards and disasters.
Social vulnerability is not only related to physical vulnerability (such as the quality of
buildings and infrastructure) but also to social, economic, and political factors.

Some of the factors that contribute to social vulnerability include:

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• Poverty: People living in poverty often lack access to resources and may not have
the means to protect themselves from hazards and disasters.
• Age: Children, the elderly, and people with disabilities may be more vulnerable
to the impacts of hazards due to physical limitations and reliance on others for
support.
• Gender: Women may be more vulnerable to the impacts of hazards due to social
and economic inequalities, such as limited access to education, healthcare, and
resources.
• Ethnicity and race: Ethnic and racial minorities may be more vulnerable to the
impacts of hazards due to social and economic inequalities and discrimination.
• Access to resources: Access to resources such as healthcare, education, and
emergency services can impact vulnerability.
• Location: People living in certain areas, such as flood-prone or earthquake-prone
areas, may be more vulnerable to the impacts of hazards.

Assessing social vulnerability involves identifying these and other factors that
contribute to vulnerability and analyzing how they interact and compound each other.
This helps to identify which groups and communities are most at risk and to develop
targeted interventions and strategies to reduce social vulnerability and increase
resilience to hazards and disasters.

Environmental vulnerability

Environmental vulnerability refers to the susceptibility of natural and built

environments to the impacts of hazards and disasters. This vulnerability can be
influenced by various factors, including climate, geology, land use, and natural
resources.

Some of the factors that contribute to environmental vulnerability include:

• Climate: Changes in climate patterns can lead to extreme weather events such as
floods, droughts, and storms, which can cause damage to the natural environment
and built infrastructure.
• Geology: Areas that are geologically active, such as those prone to earthquakes,
volcanic eruptions, or landslides, are more vulnerable to the impacts of hazards.
• Land use: Poor land use practices, such as deforestation, overgrazing, or
construction in floodplains or on steep slopes, can increase environmental
vulnerability to hazards.

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• Natural resources: Dependence on natural resources, such as water or fisheries,

can increase vulnerability to environmental hazards, particularly in areas where
these resources are limited or threatened.
• Infrastructure: Poorly constructed or maintained infrastructure, such as roads,
bridges, and buildings, can increase environmental vulnerability to hazards.

Assessing environmental vulnerability involves identifying these and other

factors that contribute to vulnerability and analyzing how they interact and compound
each other. This helps to identify which environments and infrastructure are most at risk
and to develop targeted interventions and strategies to reduce environmental
vulnerability and increase resilience to hazards and disasters.

Economic vulnerability

Economic vulnerability refers to the susceptibility of economic systems to the

impacts of hazards and disasters. This vulnerability can be influenced by various
factors, including the structure of the economy, the level of development, and the
availability of resources.

Some of the factors that contribute to economic vulnerability include:

• Dependence on a single industry: Economies that rely heavily on a single

industry, such as agriculture or tourism, are vulnerable to disruptions in that
industry due to hazards and disasters.
• Limited diversification: Economies that lack diversification are vulnerable to
disruptions in their primary industries.
• Weak infrastructure: Poorly constructed or maintained infrastructure, such as
roads, bridges, and buildings, can increase economic vulnerability to hazards.
• Inadequate insurance coverage: Inadequate insurance coverage can increase
economic vulnerability to hazards by leaving individuals and businesses unable
to recover from losses.
• Limited access to credit and financing: Limited access to credit and financing
can make it difficult for individuals and businesses to recover from losses.

Assessing economic vulnerability involves identifying these and other factors that
contribute to vulnerability and analyzing how they interact and compound each other.
This helps to identify which industries and economic systems are most at risk and to
develop targeted interventions and strategies to reduce economic vulnerability and
increase resilience to hazards and disasters.

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Physical vulnerability

Physical vulnerability refers to the susceptibility of the built environment,

infrastructure, and physical assets to the impacts of hazards and disasters. This
vulnerability can be influenced by various factors, including the quality of construction,
building codes, and the location of infrastructure.

Some of the factors that contribute to physical vulnerability include:

• Quality of construction: Poor quality construction can make buildings and

infrastructure more vulnerable to the impacts of hazards and disasters.
• Building codes and standards: Buildings that do not meet or exceed building
codes and standards are more vulnerable to the impacts of hazards and disasters.
• Location of infrastructure: Infrastructure located in hazard-prone areas, such as
floodplains or earthquake zones, is more vulnerable to the impacts of hazards
and disasters.
• Age of infrastructure: Older infrastructure may not meet current standards and
may be more vulnerable to the impacts of hazards and disasters.
• Maintenance and upkeep: Poor maintenance and upkeep of buildings and
infrastructure can make them more vulnerable to the impacts of hazards and
disasters.

Assessing physical vulnerability involves identifying these and other factors that
contribute to vulnerability and analyzing how they interact and compound each other.
This helps to identify which buildings, infrastructure, and physical assets are most at
risk and to develop targeted interventions and strategies to reduce physical vulnerability
and increase resilience to hazards and disasters.

Disaster risk assessment –approaches, procedures

Disaster risk assessment is the process of evaluating the likelihood and potential
impact of hazards on individuals, communities, and infrastructure. The aim of disaster
risk assessment is to identify, evaluate, and prioritize risks and vulnerabilities, and to
develop strategies to reduce and manage those risks. There are different approaches and
procedures for conducting disaster risk assessments, depending on the context and
purpose of the assessment. Here are some common approaches and procedures:

• Hazard identification: The first step in disaster risk assessment is to identify the
hazards that could affect the area or community being assessed. This can be done
by reviewing historical data, conducting field assessments, and consulting with
experts and stakeholders.
• Vulnerability assessment: The next step is to assess the vulnerability of the
community or infrastructure to the identified hazards. This can be done by

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evaluating the exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity of the community or

infrastructure.
• Risk analysis: The risk analysis involves combining the information on hazards
and vulnerabilities to estimate the likelihood and potential impact of different
types of disasters. This can involve developing scenarios and modeling the
potential impacts of different types of hazards.
• Risk evaluation: The risk evaluation involves assessing the significance of the
estimated risks and prioritizing them based on their potential impact and
likelihood.
• Risk reduction and management: The final step involves developing strategies
and measures to reduce the identified risks and manage the impacts of disasters.
This can involve implementing risk reduction measures such as improving
infrastructure, developing early warning systems, and promoting community
preparedness and resilience.

Some common procedures for conducting disaster risk assessments include

participatory assessments that involve community members and stakeholders, as well
as comprehensive assessments that involve multiple disciplines and sectors.
Additionally, disaster risk assessments can be conducted at different levels, from local
to national and regional levels, and can involve different types of data and analysis, such
as remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS). The approach and
procedures used for disaster risk assessment will depend on the specific context and
objectives of the assessment.

Elements of risk mapping, assessment, and reduction strategies

Elements of risk mapping

Risk mapping is a critical component of disaster risk assessment, as it provides

a visual representation of the potential impact of hazards on different areas or
communities. Risk mapping involves the integration of different types of data, including
hazard maps, vulnerability assessments, and exposure data, to identify areas of high risk
and vulnerability. The elements of risk mapping include:

• Hazard maps: Hazard maps depict the likelihood and potential impact of
different types of hazards, such as floods, earthquakes, or wildfires, on a specific
area. Hazard maps are typically developed based on historical data, modeling,
and analysis of different scenarios.
• Vulnerability assessments: Vulnerability assessments provide information on the
susceptibility of individuals, communities, and infrastructure to hazards.
Vulnerability assessments typically consider factors such as exposure,
sensitivity, and adaptive capacity.

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• Exposure data: Exposure data provides information on the location and

distribution of assets, infrastructure, and populations that are potentially exposed
to hazards. Exposure data can include population density maps, building and
infrastructure inventories, and land use maps.
• Risk characterization: Risk characterization involves combining the information
on hazard maps, vulnerability assessments, and exposure data to estimate the
potential impact of hazards on different areas or communities. Risk
characterization may involve the development of scenarios and modeling of
potential impacts.
• Communication and dissemination: The final element of risk mapping is
communication and dissemination of the results to stakeholders and decision-
makers. This may involve the development of user-friendly maps, reports, and
other communication materials.

Risk mapping is a dynamic process that requires continuous updating and

refinement as new data and information become available. It is essential to involve
stakeholders, including community members and decision-makers, in the risk mapping
process to ensure that the results are relevant and useful for decision-making and
disaster risk management.

Elements of risk assessment

Risk assessment is a process of identifying, analyzing, and evaluating potential hazards

and risks to individuals, communities, and infrastructure. The elements of risk assessment
typically include:

• Hazard identification: The first step in risk assessment is to identify the hazards that
could affect the area or community being assessed. This can involve reviewing
historical data, conducting field assessments, and consulting with experts and
stakeholders.

• Exposure assessment: Exposure assessment involves identifying the people,

infrastructure, and assets that are potentially exposed to the identified hazards. This can
involve developing exposure maps and inventorying buildings, infrastructure, and other
assets.
• Vulnerability assessment: Vulnerability assessment involves evaluating the
susceptibility of individuals, communities, and infrastructure to the identified hazards.
Vulnerability assessment typically considers factors such as exposure, sensitivity, and
adaptive capacity.
• Risk analysis: Risk analysis involves combining the information on hazards, exposure,
and vulnerability to estimate the likelihood and potential impact of different types of

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hazards. This can involve developing scenarios and modeling the potential impacts of
different types of hazards.
• Risk evaluation: Risk evaluation involves assessing the significance of the estimated
risks and prioritizing them based on their potential impact and likelihood. This can
involve developing risk management plans and strategies to reduce the identified risks.
• Communication and dissemination: Communication and dissemination of the results to
stakeholders and decision-makers is an essential element of risk assessment. This can
involve the development of user-friendly reports and other communication materials.
• Monitoring and review: Monitoring and review of the risk assessment process and the
effectiveness of risk reduction measures are critical elements of risk assessment. This
can involve ongoing data collection and analysis, as well as periodic reviews and
updates of risk assessments.

Effective risk assessment requires the integration of different types of data and expertise
from different disciplines and sectors. It also requires the involvement of stakeholders,
including community members, to ensure that the risk assessment is relevant and useful for
decision-making and disaster risk management.

Elements of risk reduction strategies

Risk reduction strategies involve a range of measures and actions aimed at reducing the
potential impact of hazards on individuals, communities, and infrastructure. The elements of
risk reduction strategies typically include:

• Prevention: Prevention measures aim to reduce the likelihood of hazards occurring or

to minimize their impact. This can include measures such as land-use planning, building
codes and standards, and early warning systems.
• Mitigation: Mitigation measures aim to reduce the impact of hazards on individuals,
communities, and infrastructure. This can include measures such as retrofitting
buildings and infrastructure, improving drainage systems, and developing evacuation
plans.
• Preparedness: Preparedness measures involve developing plans and procedures to
respond to hazards when they occur. This can include measures such as emergency
response plans, training and capacity building for responders and community members,
and stockpiling of emergency supplies.

• Response: Response measures involve the immediate actions taken during and
immediately after a hazard event to protect lives, property, and infrastructure. This can
include measures such as search and rescue operations, medical assistance, and
provision of emergency shelter and supplies.
• Recovery: Recovery measures involve the longer-term actions taken to rebuild and
restore communities and infrastructure following a hazard event. This can include

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measures such as repairing damaged infrastructure, providing support for affected

communities, and implementing measures to prevent future hazards.

Effective risk reduction strategies require the integration of different measures and
actions across different phases of the disaster management cycle. It also requires the
involvement of stakeholders, including community members, in the development and
implementation of risk reduction strategies to ensure their relevance and effectiveness. Regular
monitoring and evaluation of risk reduction strategies are also critical to ensure their ongoing
effectiveness and adaptability to changing hazards and risks.

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222ECE096 Natural Hazards and Impact Management M2 IDE