University of Moratuwa – Research
Prof. SSL Hettiarachci
Senior Professor
Department of Civil Engineering
University of Moratuwa
Identifying Parameters for Vulnerability and Preparedness Analysis to be used for Risk Assessment and Management
The report primarily identifies parameters for Vulnerability and Preparedness Analysis to be used for Risk Assessment and Management for coastal cities. This was done via literature review, investigative studies carried out and consultative process.
Within this broader framework the report focuses attention on
-
Exploring the parameters related to the vulnerability, preparedness, resilience in the coastal cities
- Identifying relationships among parameters of vulnerability, preparedness, resilience in the coastal cities
-
Capturing the perceptions on current level of resilience in terms of preparedness and early warning
-
Describing methods for quantification process for vulnerability parameters recommended to be used for risk assessment and management
-
Illustrating how such parameters can be integrated into the risk assessment process via case studies
Section 2 of the report focuses on the important aspects of hazards, vulnerability and preparedness for disaster risk reduction. This section provides a literature review on the developments relating vulnerability in the context of disasters. This is followed by the Section 3 which describes the preferred options for assessment of vulnerability in the Sri Lanka context. Both Single dimension of susceptibility approach to vulnerability and the Sector approach to requiring large amount of data and analysis, based on the experience in implementing this approach it is possible to apply the single dimension approach with a high degree of confidence. Section 4 describes issues relating to improving community resilience which is a pivotal aspect disaster risk reduction. Section 5 focuses on components of risk and its assessment and finer issues in developing risk maps from superimposing hazard and vulnerability maps. Finally, Section 6 describes the classification and planning of risk management measures, highlighting the importance of vulnerability reduction and improving preparedness. Attention is also focused on the importance of structural vulnerability and the need to undertake precautionary measures in design and maintenance.
All the issues presented in the report are discussed via six case studies relating to the City of Galle and presented in the Annex. These case studies describe the lessons learnt and how best such studies can be used for the benefit of the community.