High Level Of Vulnerability Research Articles

Enhancing Quality of Life through Travel, Happiness, and Psychological Resilience: The Influences of Coping and Vulnerability

This study, guided by the broaden-and-build theory (BBT), examines the relationship between leisure travel frequency and tourists’ quality of life (QoL), with happiness and psychological resilience as key mediators. We also explore how tourists’ coping abilities and perceived vulnerability levels shape this relationship as moderators. Using cross-sectional surveys with Australian tourists at three time points (Study 1– n = 599, Study 2– n = 290, Study 3- n = 379), we evidence the connection between travel frequency and QoL, highlighting the mediating roles of happiness and psychological resilience. Individuals with weaker coping abilities and high vulnerability levels are also shown to benefit more from increased travel frequency in terms of QoL. These findings deepen our understanding of the link between leisure travel and QoL, identifying the types of tourists who gain the most from frequent travel. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed in line with these findings.

Transitions in heating systems and impact on perceived wellbeing: a qualitative study

Abstract Background as part of the larger European WELLBASED project an urban program focusing on transitions in heating to tackle energy poverty, is implemented in 4 disadvantaged, predominantly Roma neighborhoods of Edirne, Türkiye. These neighborhoods have high levels of vulnerability, aid dependency, and energy poverty. This study investigated the impact on perceived wellbeing of implementing the heating system transition. Methods A qualitative methodology was applied; data was collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews among participants in the intervention group of the larger WELLBASED evaluation study. Diversity was ensured regarding gender, age, education level, and working status. Participants were 13 individuals from 13 households in which energy-efficient heating systems were installed. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcript verbatim and coded; thematic analysis was conducted. Results 3 main themes and 7 sub-themes (st) emerged in the preliminary analysis with regard to impact on well-being: perceived changes in living conditions (st: physical changes, financial implications, domestic burden), perceived effects on health (st. mental health, physical health), and expectations versus reality (st. insulation, efficiency). Experiences differed as per housing condition, type of energy used, usage proficiency, and income level. Conclusions Energy efficient heating system transition to tackle energy poverty at homes may not be sufficient to realize impact on perceived wellbeing. Housing conditions (ie. insulation), supported energy sources and management of expectations need to be considered as part of the program.

Environmental risks of plastic losses from landfills: A comparative study of divisional cities in Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, where nearly 95% of landfills are unsanitary or open dumps, these sites are significant contributors to environmental plastic pollution, making it a critical issue for the country. This study presents a framework to quantify the risk index of plastic losses from landfills across the eight major divisional cities of Bangladesh. The assessment focuses on three key components: hazard, exposure, and vulnerability. The hazard index is derived from local weather and climate data, exposure is evaluated based on the proximity of water bodies and urban areas, and vulnerability is measured using population, landfill, and waste production data. The study employs a Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) approach to quantify and compare the levels of exposure, vulnerability, and overall risk among the cities. The results reveal that Sylhet is located in a severe hazard zone, Dhaka faces severe exposure and vulnerability, and Chittagong experiences very high levels of exposure and vulnerability. Overall, Dhaka is categorized as severe in risk, while Chittagong and Sylhet are classified as very high risk, with other cities at comparatively safer risk levels. Cities identified with severe to high-risk levels must urgently address plastic losses. This city-wise assessment provides valuable insights for urban planners and policymakers, enabling them to identify and prioritize cities in urgent need of interventions to mitigate environmental plastic losses, and to focus on the reduction, substitution, and management of plastics.

Assessing Greece’s social vulnerability patterns in times of perma-crisis (2008–2022)

IntroductionThe study aims to map and analyse the development of social vulnerability patterns in Greece through a perma-crisis context (economic crisis, austerity, covid-19, energy, and inflation crisis) over the period 2008-2022.MethodsThe paper rests on the construction of a composite index of four key pillars of social vulnerability (employment, living conditions, health, and education) consisting of 15 selected variables obtained from the official Eurostat datasets and using PCA analysis.ResultsOur findings show that social vulnerability patterns in Greece demonstrate a considerable shift during the stated period where certain social groups (i.e., NEETs and precarious workers) seem to suffer the most. The first pattern (2008-2016) is largely characterized by the intensity and severity of the economic crisis and austerity measures, which contributed to the exacerbation of social vulnerability. The second pattern (2017-2022) presents a gradual decline mainly due to the recovery of the economy and a decrease in unemployment rates featuring a strong tendency to reach the pre-crisis levels in the years to come.DiscussionThe high levels of social vulnerability leading to social exclusion, poverty, and the widening of inequalities, impede the country’s resilience and recovery efforts and undermine social cohesion.

Assessment of socioeconomic and health vulnerability among urban slum dwellers in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundBangladesh is rapidly urbanizing and approximately half of its urban population resides in deprived slums with limited access to basic needs. However, there is a dearth of information on vulnerability levels among slum dwellers. We aimed to assess the level of vulnerability within and between slums via various socioeconomic and health indicators.MethodsA cross-sectional survey of 810 randomly selected households was conducted in two purposively selected slums, Korail and Shyampur, in Dhaka from November to December 2021. Data was collected on various indicators, including demographics, education, employment, access to utility, and healthcare services. Principal component factor analysis was employed to identify the key indicators to construct the socioeconomic and health vulnerability index for the urban slums of Bangladesh (SEHVI-BD). Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin, Bartlett’s test, and Cronbach’s alpha coefficient test were used to assess indicators’ suitability. The selected indicators were used to generate an index on a scale of 100, with a higher index value indicating a higher level of vulnerability. The estimated scores were used to categorize the vulnerability status into three levels: mild, moderate, and severe vulnerability. The Mann-Whitney-U test and Kruskal-Wallis test were applied between the generated index and other socioeconomic variables to validate the relationship.ResultsA total of 27 socioeconomic and health indicators were identified that explained 60% of the variance. The indicators were then grouped into six domains on the basis of their relevance. The prevalence of severe vulnerability in the Korail slum was approximately 9% and moderate vulnerability was 30% whereas these values were approximately 58% and 37%, respectively, in the Shyampur slum. The difference in the vulnerability level between the two slums was also evident across the domains. Households in the poorest wealth quintile, with lower education levels of household heads, and having irregular income experienced higher levels of vulnerability.ConclusionsThe SEHVI-BD offers a critical tool for policymakers to identify and address vulnerabilities, facilitating more targeted public health interventions in urban Bangladesh and similar low-income settings. This study further emphasizes the importance of integrating comprehensive vulnerability assessments into public health policies to reduce inequalities and improve well-being, especially for the urban marginalized slum population.

Triple exposure: the geographic correlation between flood risk, climate skepticism, and social vulnerability in the United States

Abstract This study investigates the geographic correlation between flood risk, climate skepticism, and social vulnerability across the United States. Our results reveal a systematic underestimation of flood risk in the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Maps, especially in Appalachia, parts of New England, and the Northwest. These three regions face two additional risks: high levels of social vulnerability and skepticism about climate change. Nationally, there is a statisically significant correlation (0.19, p < 0.005) between flood risk and climate change skepticism, which increases (0.28, p < 0.005) in regions with high FEMA undercounts and elevated flood risk. Climate change skepticism manifests as distrust in science, an underestimation of property and community risk, and a resistance to mitigation and adaptation efforts. Indicators of social vulnerability, such as poverty rates, physical disabilities, unemployment, households in mobile homes, and lack of vehicle access, are especially pronounced in Appalachia. Addressing this geographically-embedded triple exposure—flood risk, social vulnerability, climate change skepticism— requires strategies to enhance local resilience. These include revising the 100-year floodplain categorization in FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program to better reflect climate change, conducting public education campaigns in vulnerable communities, and scaling-up financial assistance for flood mitigation and adaptation projects.

Flood vulnerability analysis using geographic information system in the core zone of the Lore Lindu biosphere reserve, Indonesia

Floods are caused by the accumulation of several factors, such as global warming, climatological characteristics, hydrology, and physical conditions of an area. The purpose of this study was to map the level of flood vulnerability in the core zone of the Lore Lindu Biosphere Reserve using geographic information system (GIS) based spatial analysis with scoring and overlay. The research parameters consisted of rainfall, elevation, slope, soil type, land cover, and distance from the river. This research was conducted in the core zone divided into 13 subdistricts and 2 regencies. The results of the classification of flood vulnerability levels are divided into 4 (four) categories: not prone, low vulnerability, moderate vulnerability, and high vulnerability. The results of the analysis show that the core zone of the Lore Lindu biosphere reserve is dominated by a non-hazardous site with an area of 145,018’28 ha (67.23%), a low vulnerability zone of 65,430.10 ha (30.33%), a moderate vulnerability zone of 5,025.29 ha (2.33%), and a high vulnerability zone of 245.99 ha (0.11). Areas with a high level of vulnerability are at low elevations with flat to gentle slopes. Most land use is dominated by water, mining, and open land without vegetation and is located around rivers.

Evaluation of the Level of Vulnerability of Flood Disaster Prone Areas in the Batang Gasan River Basin using the Weighted Product (WP) Method

Indonesia is an area that is prone to hydro-meteorological natural disasters such as floods, landslidesand so on. In Indonesia, especially West Sumatra, the cause of flooding is dominated by high rainfall, as is the case in the Gasan Gadang watershed. In an effort to overcome problems resultingfromflooding, there are several ways, one of which is knowing the causes of flooding and the target areafor flooding, which depends on the characteristics, hydrology and physical conditions of the area. Themain objective of this study is to determine the level of vulnerability to flood disasters and tomapflood-prone areas in the Batang Gasan watershed area to obtain the level of vulnerability andverifyflood-prone areas with measurement results. This research uses several stages of analysis, namelyweighted product (WP) analysis and dynamic analysis. The research results show that areas that havea high level of flood vulnerability are IV Koto Aur Malintang sub-district and Batang Gasansub- district. The area that is vulnerable to moderate-scale flooding is Tanjung Mutiara District. Andthearea that has a low scale flood vulnerability is Sei Geringging District. For areas that are pronetohigh-scale flooding, using the Dynamic Analysis method, the area area can be reduced over the next two year period. And in the 10th (tenth) year the flood area can be reduced by 85.88%. Efforts madeto reduce the area of the flood area are by installing check dams and dredging sediment along the river for District IV Koto Aur Malintang and Batang Gasan District.

Міжнародні боргові метрики в контексті фінансування "зеленого" порядку денного

The article summarizes the public debt policy issues in the context of financing climate change measures, and suggests priorities and mechanisms of fiscal, debt and sectoral policies to ensure sufficient financing of the green agenda. Authors have emphasized the trilemma between achieving climate goals, maintaining fiscal sustainability, and ensuring political capacity. It has been found that even under favorable external financial conditions, climate-vulnerable countries face a constant premium to the cost of borrowing. As a result, developing countries with high levels of debt and climate vulnerability are caught in a vicious circle of growing investment needs for climate- sustainable structural transformation and significant dependence on increasingly expensive debt financing, which leads to a combination of deteriorating debt sustainability and insufficient funding for climate change challenges. Authors argue for a comprehensive multilateral policy aimed at reforming the international debt architecture and increasing the amount of available financing for climate change adaptation under a government-led framework. Achieving common goals requires a carefully calibrated combination of climate change mitigation instruments based on enhanced domestic revenue mobilization, in particular through carbon pricing, more efficient spending on transfers, green subsidies and investments, and regulatory measures. Authors propose a comprehensive approach to implementing climate change mitigation policies, including the implementation of a fiscal strategy, sectoral policies to prevent climate change, and stimulating private investment. Emphasized the importance of developing further tools for incorporating climate policy into debt sustainability analysis.

Flooding Hazard Vulnerability Assessment Using Remote Sensing Data and Geospatial Techniques: A Case Study from Mekkah Province, Saudi Arabia

Flash floods are catastrophic phenomena that pose a serious risk to coastal infrastructures, towns, villages, and cities. This study assesses the risk of flash floods in the ungauged Mekkah province region based on specific and effective morphometric and topographic features characterizing the study region. Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) data were employed to construct a digital elevation model (DEM) for a detailed analysis, and the geographical information systems software 10.4 (GIS) was utilized to assess the linear, area, and relief aspects of the morphometric parameters. The ArcHydro tool was used to prepare the primary parameters, including the watershed border, flow accumulation, flow direction, flow length, and stream ordering. The study region’s flash flood hazard degrees were assessed using several morphometric characteristics that were measured, computed, and connected. Two different and effective methods were used to independently develop two models of flood vulnerability behaviors. The integrated method analysis revealed that most of the eastern and western parts of the studied province provide high levels of flood vulnerability. Due to it being one of the most helpful topographic indices, the integrated flood vulnerability final map was overlayed with the topographic position index (TPI). The integrated results aided in understanding the link between the general basins’ morphometric characteristics and their topographical features for mapping the different flood susceptibility locations over the entire studied province. Thus, this can be applied to investigate a surface-specific reduction plan against the impacts of flood hazards in the studied landscape.

Analisis Lokasi Pos Damkar Berdasarkan Peta Kerawanan Kebakaran Menggunakan SIG Di Jakarta Timur

This research aims to analyze the range of fire post locations on the fire vulnerability map in East Jakarta. The methodology of this research is quantitative research with data analysis techniques using GIS analysis, namely network analysis to create fire post affordability, and overlay analysis to create fire vulnerability maps. Based on result there are still areas that have not been reached, especially in Duren Sawit, Cakung, Makasar, Cipayung and Ciracas Districts. When viewed in terms of fire disaster vulnerability, East Jakarta City has a medium-high level of vulnerability, while areas with a low level of vulnerability are very few with an area of only 15 hectares. Areas with a medium level of vulnerability dominate with a total area of 12,362 hectares, while areas with a high level of vulnerability cover an area of 6,124 hectares. If an overlay analysis is carried out on the distance between fire posts and the fire vulnerability of residential areas in East Jakarta, it can be seen that there are still areas with a high-medium fire vulnerability class that are not yet reached by fire posts covering an area of 6,018.08 hectares. In fact, 46% of all areas with a high level of fire vulnerability have not been reached by fire stations. These areas are found in Duren Sawit, Ciracas and Cipayung sub-districts. It is recommended that fire posts be built in unreached areas to ensure disaster management is more efficient. This research aims to analyze the range of fire post locations on the fire vulnerability map in East Jakarta. The methodology of this research is quantitative research with data analysis techniques using GIS analysis, namely network analysis to create fire post affordability, and overlay analysis to create fire vulnerability maps. Based on result there are still areas that have not been reached, especially in Duren Sawit, Cakung, Makasar, Cipayung and Ciracas Districts. When viewed in terms of fire disaster vulnerability, East Jakarta City has a medium-high level of vulnerability, while areas with a low level of vulnerability are very few with an area of only 15 hectares. Areas with a medium level of vulnerability dominate with a total area of 12,362 hectares, while areas with a high level of vulnerability cover an area of 6,124 hectares. If an overlay analysis is carried out on the distance between fire posts and the fire vulnerability of residential areas in East Jakarta, it can be seen that there are still areas with a high-medium fire vulnerability class that are not yet reached by fire posts covering an area of 6,018.08 hectares. In fact, 46% of all areas with a high level of fire vulnerability have not been reached by fire stations. These areas are found in Duren Sawit, Ciracas and Cipayung sub-districts. It is recommended that fire posts be built in unreached areas to ensure disaster management is more efficient.

Risk management using a flood vulnerability index in the Mazovia Province, Poland

ABSTRACT The main purpose of the article is to assess the level of flood vulnerability in municipalities of Mazovia Province in Poland using a flood vulnerability index. The study investigates the following elements: exposure, susceptibility and resilience. The total flood vulnerability index of municipalities showed that the municipality of Wyszków had the highest level of vulnerability, which stems from its highest exposure indicator, its lack of resilience level and its moderate level of susceptibility. Municipalities where vulnerability is primarily affected by exposure should pursue an appropriate policy that restricts land use and development within floodplains. In areas where susceptibility has the greatest impact on flood vulnerability, the community should be more actively involved in the design of risk management plans to enhance their acceptance and increase the likelihood of successful implementation. Municipalities with a lack of resilience should invest in the manpower and equipment necessary to rescue people effectively; effect a swift return to a higher level of adaptation and resilience so that future flood losses are reduced or maybe even avoided.; increase expenditure on civil protection, and verify whether the number and available deployment of emergency services (firefighters, etc.) corresponds to the number and distribution of the population.

Comparison and theoretical conceptualization analysis of statistical methods used to develop heat vulnerability indices in urban areas

In view of the impact of extreme temperatures on physical and psychological health, particularly in urban areas, several studies have focused on assessing social vulnerability using quantitative indexing approaches with the aim of creating a heat vulnerability index (HVI). In this context, this study employs three statistical methodologies frequently used to construct HVIs on the territory of the Toulouse Métropole, France, at the census block (IRIS) scale to assess the efficiency of this type of approach for evaluating social vulnerability in urban environments considering the current theoretical conceptualization. The three HVIs show the same general trends, with a spatial configuration in which high levels of vulnerability are concentrated in the downtown and suburbs of the Toulouse municipality. Vulnerability gradually decreases away from the urban core, becoming moderate in the inner suburbs and low on the outskirts. However, a spatial analysis of the clusters reveals variability in the boundaries of the vulnerability hotspots. Value class matching indicates that a significant number of census blocks are classified differently according to the method considered. These results raise questions concerning the ability of HVIs to provide reliable vulnerability assessments, given their geostatistical and conceptual limitations. Indexing approaches therefore appear to contradict current theoretical conceptualizations promoting the concept of vulnerability as being complex and multifactorial.

Climate change vulnerability assessment in the new urban planning process in Tanzania

Climate change vulnerability assessment is an essential tool for identifying regions that are most susceptible to the impacts of climate change and designing effective adaptation actions that can reduce vulnerability and enhance long-term resilience of these regions. This study explored a framework for climate change vulnerability assessment in the new urban planning process in Jangwani Ward, Tanzania. Specifically, taking flood as an example, this study highlighted the steps and methods for climate change vulnerability assessment in the new urban planning process. In the study area, 95 households were selected and interviewed through purposeful sampling. Additionally, 10 respondents (4 females and 6 males) were interviewed for Focus Group Discussion (FGD), and 3 respondents (1 female and 2 males) were selected for Key Informant Interviews (KII) at the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development. This study indicated that climate change vulnerability assessment framework involves the assessment of climatic hazards, risk elements, and adaptive capacity, and the determination of vulnerability levels. The average hazard risk rating of flood was 2.3. Socioeconomic and livelihood activities and physical infrastructures both had the average risk element rating of 3.0, and ecosystems had the average risk element rating of 2.9. Adaptive capacity ratings of knowledge, technology, economy or finance, and institution were 1.6, 1.9, 1.4, and 2.2, respectively. The vulnerability levels of socioeconomic and livelihood activities and physical infrastructure were very high (4.0). Ecosystems had a high vulnerability level (3.8) to flood. The very high vulnerability level of socioeconomic and livelihood activities was driven by high exposure and sensitivity to risk elements and low adaptive capacity. The study recommends adoption of the new urban planning process including preparation, planning, implementation, and monitoring-evaluation-review phases that integrates climate change vulnerability assessment in all phases.

Child protection and developmental trajectories of children who entered care as infants

AbstractInfants have the highest rate of admission into out‐of‐home care in Australia, with rising rates of entry to care occurring around the world. Our previous research identified children who entered care as infants as having high levels of developmental vulnerability. The objective of this study was to determine the child protection and developmental trajectories of children who entered care as infants and whether meeting developmental needs through service provision improves trajectories and outcomes for these children. This is a prospective cohort study using three waves (2011–2016) of survey data from the New South Wales Pathways of Care Longitudinal Study which includes standardised assessments (Age and Stages Questionnaire, Brief Infant Toddler Social Emotional Assessment and the Child Behaviour Checklist), as well as linked administrative child protection and health data. Our findings suggest that children who entered care as infants predominantly remained in the care system and had a high level of developmental vulnerability as infants. A large group had positive physical and cognitive developmental trajectories with service provision increasing over time; however, early service provision is needed. Another group was identified as having early social–emotional concerns and displaying worsening social–emotional trajectories. Intervention for this group is an important priority to reduce risk of ongoing poor mental health outcomes.

Livelihood Vulnerability from Drought among Smallholder Livestock Farmers in South Africa

The impacts of drought and climate change on agriculture have become increasingly apparent, and affect smallholder livestock farmers. Farmers’ livelihoods rely on agriculture; thus, they are vulnerable to the primary and secondary impacts of climate change. In South Africa, policies for increasing the resilience of smallholder livestock farmers who have suffered from agricultural drought have not paid sufficient attention to the level of livelihood vulnerability. This study assessed the level of livelihood vulnerability of smallholder livestock farmers in the drought-stricken Frances Baard District Municipality in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. The livelihood vulnerability of 217 randomly selected farmers from the municipality were determined using the Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) and Livelihood Vulnerability Index of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (LVI-IPCC), which includes seven components and 34 subcomponents addressing livelihood. A high level of livelihood vulnerability, with an LVI score of 0.436, was determined and attributed to high-risk livelihood strategies, food, social networks, health, water, sociodemographics, natural disasters, and climate change. The LVI-IPCC of 0.04 also showed moderate vulnerability due to high exposure, high sensitivity, and low adaptive capacity, especially for the Phokwane, Dikgatlong, and Magareng districts in the Frances Baard municipality. Given continued drought recurrences, it is crucial for the government and other stakeholders to implement strategic and targeted sustainable interventions. The resilience of smallholder livestock farmers should be enhanced by increasing their adaptive capacity through diversified livelihood options while decreasing exposure and sensitivity to agricultural drought risks.

DEVELOPMENT OF PEAK GROUND ACCELERATION USING A NON-LINEAR APPROACH TO EVALUATE LIQUEFACTION POTENTIAL IN SEI WAMPU BRIDGE, LANGKAT, NORTH SUMATRA, INDONESIA

The design of building structures requires compliance with seismic codes and all their consequences. Based on geotechnical investigation reports, the construction of Sei Wampu Bridge in Langkat, North Sumatra, Indonesia, is located in an area where the soil layers are predominantly sand with shallow water levels because of its proximity to a river and is a high earthquake zone due to the Semangko fault. That condition will affect the potential of liquefaction occurring. This study aims to identify the liquefaction potential in the Sei Wampu Bridge. Based on Indonesian National Standard (SNI) 1726-2019, sites prone to liquefaction are categorized as site class-specific soil (F) and requires site-specific response analysis (SSRA) methods. Non-linear analysis 1-D is chosen to propagate earthquake waves with the software DEEPSOIL V7. The input parameter for soil movement utilizes an average spectral matching method with a minimum of 7 pairs of soil movement selected from the earthquake recording website, PEER Ground Motion Database. The selection of earthquake considers a 1000-year earthquake load return period, or a 7% probability exceeded within 75 years. Site-specific response analysis (SSRA) resulted in a peak ground acceleration (PGA) value for each borehole depth used in liquefaction potential analysis. Using a historical earthquake scenario with a 6.3 Mw shows that the research location has liquefaction potential at 0 m-15 m deep with high vulnerability levels, where the LPI value reaches 36.21.

Infrastructure Transitions in Southern Cities: Organising Urban Service Delivery for Climate and Development

Rapidly growing cities in the Global South are characterised by high levels of vulnerability and informality and are expected to bear a disproportionate share of the costs of a changing climate. The confluence of climate change impacts, inequitable urbanisation processes, and under-development emphasise the need for accelerated urban transitions in Southern cities, yet mainstream theories of urban sustainability transitions have been shown to be insufficient for such contexts. This is particularly relevant with regard to urban infrastructure: While mainstream urban theory tends to regard infrastructure as static, centralised, and heavily engineered, infrastructure configurations in cities of the Global South are often heterogeneous, comprising multiple dynamic social and material flows. Drawing on theory from Southern Urbanism and empirical data of unorthodox infrastructures from 14 cities, this article assesses the potential challenges posed by applying a key transitions framework—namely the Multi-Level Perspective—in Southern contexts. The article closes by suggesting a set of theoretical propositions for future conceptual and empirical research that could advance transitions literature more broadly, and highlights the need for all cities to pursue inclusive service delivery models that are responsive to the complex and shifting landscape of climate impacts.

Relationship between social vulnerability and community resilience: A geospatial study in the context of natural disasters

Social vulnerability and resilience are critical factors for disaster risk management. Despite the significant progress in research on both concepts, only some studies have explored the empirical relationship between them. The relationship between community resilience and social vulnerability to natural disasters in Chile was studied using empirical and geospatial analysis. We used the Social Vulnerability Index (SoVI) and the Community Resilience Index (BRIC), previously calculated nationally for Chile. Based on these indicators, we constructed a matrix to classify the 3100 districts into high, medium, and low levels of vulnerability and resilience. In addition, we performed a spatial autocorrelation analysis using the Global Moran Index. Our results indicate that: Vulnerability and resilience are related concepts, but are not opposite within a continuum, (II) Rather than being randomly distributed, districts with higher (or lower) capacities to prepare for, respond to, and recover from a disaster tend to cluster geographically; (III) the districts with the highest levels of resilience and lowest levels of vulnerability were located in the main cities of the country. We expect that a better understanding of the relationship between vulnerability and resilience in each territory will help institutions in charge of disaster management to identify communities most susceptible to damage and least capable of recovering from a disaster. Consequently, it will facilitate the design and implementation of policies, programs, and plans best adapted to the needs of each community.

Incorporating hydraulic gradient and pumping rate into GALDIT framework to assess groundwater vulnerability to salinity in coastal aquifers: a case study from Urmia Plain, Iran.

The critical role of groundwater in meeting diverse needs, including drinking, industrial, and agricultural, highlights the urgency of effective resource management. Excessive groundwater extraction, especially in coastal regions including Urmia Plain in NW Iran, disrupts the equilibrium between freshwater and saline boundaries within aquifers. Influential parameters governing seawater intrusion-groundwater occurrence (G), aquifer hydraulic conductivity (A), the height of groundwater level above the mean sea level (L), distance from the shore (D), impact of the existing status of seawater intrusion (I), and thickness of the saturated aquifer (T)-merge to shape the GALDIT vulnerability index for coastal aquifers. This study enriches the GALDIT framework by incorporating two additional hydrogeological variables: hydraulic gradient (i) and pumping rate (P). This expansion produces seven distinct vulnerability maps (GALDIT, GAiDIT, GAiDIT-P, GALDIT-i, GALDIT-iP, GALDIT-P, GAPDIT). In the Urmia Plain, the traditional GALDIT index reveals vulnerability values ranging from 2 to 8.1, categorized into six classes from negligible to very high vulnerability. However, the modified indices, GAiDIT and GAiDIT-P, yield a three-class categorization, ranging from low to high vulnerability. The introduction of the "i" and "P" parameters in GALDIT-i and GALDIT-iP enhances the precision of vulnerability mapping, altering class distribution and intensifying vulnerability ratings. The eastern, central, and coastal areas of the Urmia Plain demonstrate high to very high vulnerability levels, in contrast to the lower vulnerability observed in the western regions. Both the GALDIT-P (r = 0.82) and GALDIT-iP (r = 0.81) indices show strong correlations with Cl concentration, thereby improving mapping accuracy over the traditional GALDIT index (r = 0.72). A sensitivity analysis highlights the critical influence of the "i" parameter, suggesting its weighting should be revised. Parameter recalibration serves to amplify the significance of "G," "L," "D," and "i" parameters, while diminishing others. The integration of multiple hydrogeological variables considerably enhances the precision of groundwater vulnerability assessments.