Vulnerability to flood risk : a methodological proposal for assessing the isolation of the population

Abstract

There are few studies that have developed estimations of the vulnerability of the population to isolation as a result of flood events. The main objective of this study was to provide a methodological proposal that addresses this matter through a series of cartographic instruments. To this purpose, the method was tested in a study area classified as area with significant potential flood risk (ARPSI) in southern Spain. Three methodological proposals were designed to define: (1) the population likely to be isolated within the flood area; (2) the population liable to be isolated by cuts to access roads outside the flood area; (3) the main workplaces involving concentrations of population likely to be isolated. The results demonstrate that the study area has a high degree of vulnerability to the flood risk. The methodological proposal provides detailed results at local level, which is a highly functional tool for flood risk managers. This research shows that, just as in the case of hazard, a deep and detailed knowledge of vulnerability and its consequent problems leads to a better management of flood risk