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Abstract
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The increased number and scale of natural disasters in recent years has resulted in loss of life and longterm negative social, economic, and environmental impacts, particularly in developing countries. Hazards are processes which occur in the natural environment and can damage human life, property, or both. Vulnerability is comprised of the people in their environment and their exposure to hazards. Disaster Risk is dependent on the severity of the associated hazard and the vulnerability.
The impact of natural hazards can be reduced by using disaster preparedness maps. Regional “pre-disaster” maps show areas of high risk, which can then be assisted with disaster mitigation measures, such as detailed improved emergency planning, clearing paths to areas of safety, and publicity to increase local hazard awareness. Taking these measures and targeting high-risk areas can save lives and prevent damage, as well as providing better guidance on where and how to place early warning systems.
To evaluate the usefulness and better develop these regional pre-disaster maps, disaster risk was assessed for Filadelfia, north west Costa Rica using geohazard assessment, vulnerability (populated areas, land cover types, infrastructure and natural resources), and hazard event chronologies. Assessment was made using free satellite datasets, aerial photography, geological maps, topographical maps, and ground surveys.
