Augmenting the Social Vulnerability Index using an agent-based simulation of Hurricane Harvey

Abstract

In this work, an agent-based model (ABM) of population evacuation during Hurricane Harvey is developed. The ABM integrates data from several sources, including data about physical conditions, population demographics, and geography. This simulation is then used to compute multiple measures of exposures to hazards for the population. Outputs from the ABM are then evaluated by adding computed measures to a statistical model associating flood exposure to emergency department visits. Finally, the flooding exposure duration measure is used to augment the CDC/ATSDR Social Vulnerability Index.