Vulnerability Assessment as a Tool for Hazard Mitigation

Abstract

In emergency management, hazards are considered as sources of damage and damage reduction is the core of hazard mitigation, defined as the cost-effective measures taken to reduce the potential for damage on a community from the hazard impact. The equation seems simple: HAZARD (SOURCE OF DAMAGE) +DAMAGE REDUCTION ALTERNATIVES = MITIGATION. However, important questions arise when this definition occurs within the context of annual or historical damage from hazard impact. If the relationship is simple, why are damages, often repetitive, mounting as hazards strike vulnerable communities/specific facilities? Knowledge gaps exist regarding the causal relationship between hazards and the damage that results from their impact on the realm of human activity. These gaps reflect a general lack of understanding about the sequence of events that lead to actual damage. In the simplest terms, humanity is generally ignorant about its vulnerability to the adverse effects of hazards. Consequently, vast segments of human society continue to engage in building structures and facilities, in developing infrastructure, and in all the wide range of human activity seemingly without utilizing the assessment of its vulnerability as a tool to reduce the potential for damage from the impact of hazards. Truly effective mitigation--hazard damage reduction--must be based on a clear understanding of the causes of damage. This knowledge is gained by applying the methodology of vulnerability assessment. The methodology is applicable regardless of the specific types of hazards that may strike a community or facility. Assessment takes place at three levels: Hazard identification defines the magnitudes and probabilities of the hazard that threatens anthropogenic interests; vulnerability assessment characterises the population exposed to the hazard and the damage/injuries resulting; risk analyses incorporates the probability of damage/injury. As an emergency management tool, vulnerability assessment is a sound foundation for hazard mitigation. Vulnerability assessment and hazard mitigation must be essential components in the practice of any anthropogenic activity in a hazardous area.