GIS spatial modelling for seismic risk assessment based on exposure, resilience, and capacity indicators to seismic hazard: a case study of Pahang, Malaysia

Abstract

Various techniques and frameworks for an evaluation of seismic vulnerability have been developed and established in previous studies. However, some techniques demand a significant amount of empirical data currently not readily available in developing countries. Therefore, this study proposes a new seismic risk evaluation method at the local district level. A holistic model was constructed for the purpose of assessing potential seismic vulnerability based on appropriate indices and their relative contribution towards vulnerability and coping capacity. It allowed the estimation of vulnerability in terms of exposure, resilience, and capacity factors. Then, utilization of Geographical Information System (GIS) tools resulted in the generation of a total vulnerability map via integration of the study variables to highlight the socio-economic and physical characteristics of vulnerability for the districts in Pahang, Malaysia. Subsequently, a seismic risk map of the study area was derived by overlying the derived map with the seismic hazard map. Consequently, the study revealed the highest levels of seismic risk were concentrated in the central-west of the Pahang region, namely the Bentong district. In contrast, the least vulnerable areas encompassed the Pekan and Jerantut areas, which were located in the eastern region. In brief, the study findings would serve as the foundation towards reducing the country’s vulnerability to disasters.