Assessment of social vulnerability to flood, earthquake and fire hazards case study: districts of Sari city

Abstract

The increase in natural hazards in recent decades shows that social vulnerability assessment is an important issue for understanding the occurrence and response to these hazards. This research investigates the social vulnerability of different parts of Sari city to three hazards: flood, earthquake, and fire. To this end, the paper formulates an analytical framework and assessment criteria for social vulnerability based on exposure, sensitivity, and adaptability dimensions. Eleven districts of Sari city were selected, and information was collected based on the master plan, field surveys, and interviews. According to the findings, area 3-1 is the most vulnerable area, while area 2–3 has the least vulnerability. When disasters occur, among the four districts of Sari, District 4 (in the city center) and District 1 (north to west of the city) will suffer the least damage. The factors affecting social vulnerability were identified. The results show that social vulnerability is influenced by different factors. The seven main factors predicting it in the exposure dimension are topography, building age, and proximity to the river; in the sensitivity dimension, fire stations and bus stations; and in the adaptability dimension, education and government support. Therefore, increasing the quality of the built environment reduces the risk of exposure, access to urban services reduces sensitivity, and education level and government support increase adaptability. Managers and planners can use this tool and its results to adopt appropriate strategies and improve objectives and decision-making in the use of various natural resources.