The College of Climate Change and Environmental Science, Kerala Agricultural University, has prepared flood vulnerability maps for different agro-ecological zones in the State.
Flood Vulnerability Index (FVI) is an important tool for urban planning and urgent decision-making for flood-risk reduction. They help prioritise mitigation efforts, direct resources where they are needed, and develop strategies to build resilience in flood-prone areas, says P.O. Nameer, Dean, College of Climate Change and Environmental Science, KAU.
FVI is a methodology used to assess the risk and impact of flooding in an area. It is calculated by looking at various factors such as the characteristics of each land area, population density, infrastructure, land use patterns, past floods, and socio-economic factors, he says.
“The flood vulnerability index is prepared by taking into account the physical environment vulnerability and socio-economic vulnerability,” he says.
Physical environment vulnerability refers to the susceptibility of an ecosystem to the harmful effects of natural or man-made hazards such as earthquakes, cyclones, floods, droughts, and sea-level rise. It is determined based on the physical and environmental characteristics of the disaster-affected area.
Socio-economic vulnerability examines how a population copes with natural or human-made hazards. Socio-economic conditions can be understood by checking the social structure, income, education, employment, housing, and health of people in the region. A more socio-economically vulnerable population is less able to withstand the impacts of natural disasters, says Dr. Nameer.
“Maps based on this information are prepared for various administrative units such as corporations, municipalities and block panchayats. By identifying areas and populations at risk, governments and communities can take initiatives to reduce the impact of floods, such as flood-prevention measures, improving infrastructure, increasing early warning systems, and strengthening community cohesion to reduce the impact of floods,” he says.
