Flood risk in an Andean Peruvian city: A risk evaluation and mitigation project proposal

Abstract

This study was conducted along the Disparate River, located in the Huancavelica province of Peru. Within the river's marginal area, numerous residential constructions and infrastructures are at risk of incurring material, economic, and human damage. Consequently, a disaster risk assessment was undertaken with the purpose of preventing potential harm. The primary aim of the research was to evaluate the level of flood risk posed by the Disparate River in the Huancavelica district during the year 2024. To this end, a descriptive design was employed, utilizing the risk assessment tables from the "Manual for the Evaluation of Risks Originating from Natural Phenomena," Version 02, published by the National Centre for Disaster Risk Estimation, Prevention, and Reduction. Additionally, social, economic, and environmental data were collected through various methodologies, including observation, meteorological data acquisition, mapping, random household selection, and interviews. The study analyzed hazard, vulnerability, and associated risks of potential flooding, intending to propose measures for reducing risk through both structural and non-structural interventions. Following the analysis of the data collected from fieldwork and desktop research, it was found that both the hazard and vulnerability levels were high, leading to the conclusion that the risk associated with the Disparate River is significantly elevated for the structures located along its banks. Finally, a technical proposal was presented that aims to mitigate the flood risk and its consequences in the city.