The first step in the community risk assessment is hazard analysis. Hazards Analysis shows the potential impact of a hazard on a geographical area. It involves seeking relevant information upon all the hazards to which a community is exposed. Determinations of probability, magnitude and impact area can be made on the basis of historical evidence, empirical research or community perception.
Vulnerability assessment carries this exercise further by showing how civic infrastructure and population are likely to be affected by a hazard event. It is necessary to first identify physical vulnerabilities such as geographical remoteness of the community and its fragile location. An analysis of socio-economic vulnerability of the community shows the impact on people’s livelihood, income and consumption of the people. It explains the differential impact of a hazard on various groups such as the poor and low-income groups, workers in informal sector, women, elderly, ethnic or racial minorities. The VA would also analyze how schools, hospitals, roads and transport, electric and communication lines would be affected by a hazard event in a particular area. If we overlay these elements at risk on a hazard map, we get a full risk map of a particular area or locality.
Since vulnerability is related to capabilities and resources, it would be important to assess them at the level of individuals and organizations. Relevant information could be obtained upon natural and financial resources, skills, time, and material of individuals and communities. Similarly, strength of informal social networks and communications, and the community’s attitude towards risks and disasters influence community response, and thus provide relevant information for the assessment of community’s capabilities and resources.
VA stands Vulnerability Assessment.
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