A quantitative methodology for the assessment of the regional economic vulnerability to flash floods

摘要: Abstract Economic losses caused by flash floods are expected to rise worldwide in the coming decades, which is largely due increasing exposure of elements at risk. Therefore, a comprehensive analysis economic context potentially affected areas highly recommendable. Numerous papers have been published date that focus on quantifying vulnerability general and particular. However, number studies devoted flood-prone far lower. Integrated assessment enables one learn what characteristics explain, trigger, intensify, attenuate exposure, sensitivity, resilience economically vulnerable populations, can be combined achieve an Vulnerability Index (IEVI). The methodology deployed here was conducted Castilla y Leon (northwest Spain; 94.223 km2) has allowed urban analyzed, primarily addressed estimation or, more recently, including few variables within social assessments. Thus, 118 were initially gathered then divided into groups through hierarchical segmentation analysis. Subsequently, employing principal components analysis, giving factors subsequently aggregated construct IEVI. Tolerance statistic used as weighting method define IEVI, whereas quintiles chosen statistical criterion map vulnerability. As final step, latent class cluster implemented identify spatial patterns Our findings show IEVI scores high variability degree complexity relationships among different factors. Moreover, they help vulnerability, makes design suitable reduction strategies possible, thereby improving efficiency flood risk management plans policies.