A MAP-based approach to identify the social vulnerability to flood hazard in states adjacent to Mexican Gulf

Abstract

The impact of floods can significantly differ based on the local circumstances. The severity of the impact caused by a natural flood in one area compared to another depends on the distinct vulnerability factors present within the affected community, encompassing cultural, social, and economic aspects. Understanding a society's capacity to anticipate, adapt to, endure, and recover from the effects of natural floods relies on evaluating its social vulnerability, which is closely connected with potential risks and community resilience. This study adopts a framework that can analyze the interaction between natural hazards and social factors and is flexible to be applied to different geographic locations. This framework encompasses flood hazards and social vulnerability within the scope of flood risk reduction. This paper explores how social vulnerability can be integrated into the analysis of flood risks within the states adjacent to the Mexican Gulf. Initially, social components are selected and applied to measure and map the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI). Next, a MAP-based methodology is adopted to identify the spatial variability of social vulnerability concerning flood hazards. Then, a risk matrix is developed and the classifications on SVI map are aligned with those on a flood hazard map; provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This led to the development of a qualitative social vulnerability exposure map to flood hazards, emphasizing regions marked by high levels of both flood risk and social vulnerability. The findings of this study highlight the importance of integrating social vulnerability into flood risk mitigation policies and emergency management, and planning.