Multi Hazard Risk and Vulnerability Assessment of an Urban Agglomeration Under Climate Change

Humankind has been suffering huge losses to life and property due to natural disasters like floods, droughts, tsunamis, cyclones, earthquakes, landslides, heatwaves, wildfires, volcanic eruptions, etc. Densely-inhabited areas are most vulnerable to these disasters. With technological advancement, humans are trying to make populated sprawls resilient to such hazards through early warning systems, prevention measures, proper relief and rescue, etc.

Present study deals with a comprehensive multi-hazard risk and vulnerability assessment of a big Indian metropolis to estimate the disaster preparedness of its existing institutions under evident climate change. To begin with, pertinent primary and secondary data has been collated from literature, satellite imageries, civic agencies, etc. Thereafter, demography, socio-economic profiles, key institutions, major infrastructure, safe holding places, etc. have been mapped at reasonable resolution using geospatial platform, and their physical, social, economic, and environment vulnerability has been assessed with respect to various hazards using relevant numerical models to determine and map high, medium and low risk areas through composite vulnerability index. Afterwards, rehabilitation needs for people requiring food, shelter, rescue, first aid, etc. have been estimated. Subsequently, set of structural and non-structural priority measures have been identified for risk mitigation at different scales.

Multidisciplinary and holistic approach such as this can be then used to link the recommended solutions and actions with the disaster management policy and sectoral planning.