An Assessment of Severe Storms, Their Impacts and Social Vulnerability in Coastal Areas: A Case Study of General Pueyrredon, Argentina

Abstract

AbstractSevere storms are very frequent meteorological events that generate major damage in coastal areas around the world. This work aims to describe and analyze the characteristics of severe storms in relation to the spatial distribution of their impacts and the social vulnerability of the population in coastal areas. We selected the district of General Pueyrredon (−38°00′; −57°33′), Argentina, as a study case. A hydrometeorological hazard analysis was performed using data from the Estación de Observaciones Costeras (Coastal Observation Station) for the period 2013–2019. Wave height, period, and direction were computed. Besides, wind velocity and wind direction were estimated. Then a regression analysis was done for both continuous variables. Storms were selected according to three parameters: impacted neighborhoods using national and local mass media, wave height, and wind velocity using percentile and mean scores. Afterward, a storm classification was performed by establishing three different synoptic situations. Finally, the social vulnerability of the district was defined by creating an Index of Social Vulnerability to Disasters using social, economic, and housing conditions. The results between 2013 and 2019 show that 25.2% (827 events) of wave height represent values higher than 1 m, mainly from the southeast direction (42%). Strong winds (≥43 km h−1) represented 23 cases with a higher frequency from north, northeast, and northwest (29%). Linear regression model results showed that there are probably more factors influencing wave heights. According to storm selection, 45 events were analyzed. Those associated with cyclonic activity summarized 62.2% of total cases. These events produced floods, hail, and strong winds which resulted in numerous evacuees, suspension of classes, fallen trees, power outages, and infrastructure damage. A very high social vulnerability was detected in nine neighborhoods but only one on the coastline. Finally, by performing risk analysis it was found that 20 quarters are highly vulnerable and exposed to severe storms, with a small difference whether they were located in coastal (55%) or non-coastal areas (45%).KeywordsSevere stormsImpactsHazardCoastal areasSocial vulnerabilityWaves