ABSTRACT
In Guangdong Province, China, storm surges that threaten coastal communities are induced by typhoons. The vulnerability of a storm surge is subject to social and economic features. In this article, we provide a definition of socioeconomic vulnerability and suggest six indicators that form a vulnerability indicator system for assessing the socioeconomic vulnerability to typhoon storm surges. The hazard of a typhoon-induced storm surge is calculated by using the methods of numerical prediction, Gumbel Extreme Value Distribution Function, and information diffusion. Combining the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method and the Delphi method, and an integration of these socioeconomic indicators to represent the vulnerability of a system, we assess the socioeconomic vulnerability of cities in Guangdong Province, China, to typhoon storm surge risk.