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Q6B · Explain in detail the concept of “Hazard Mapping”. Also elaborate in detail its signi…

2026-02-12 · Semester V re-exam

Actual TEE paper · 100 marks · 3 hours · Q1 + any four of Q2–Q7

Q6B. Explain in detail the concept of “Hazard Mapping”. Also elaborate in detail its significance for its application in Disaster Preparedness considering any 2 types of Disasters. [10 marks]

Answer

Definition. Risk assessment identifies hazards and evaluates exposure, vulnerability and capacity to understand possible losses and priorities. Risk mapping represents that information geographically.

Swipe across the diagram to read its labels ↔
GIS combines location-based layers for decisions
Diagram: GIS combines location-based layers for decisions. Labels: GIS combines location-based layers for decisions | GIS combines location-based layers for decisions | Hazard layer | Flood extent / slope / drought | Exposure layer | People, homes, roads, hospitals | Resources layer | Shelters, teams, water supply | Decision supported | Which places face danger? Who needs | assistance? Which route is usable? Where | should resources go? | Check data dates, accuracy and field reports; a map is decision support.
Hazard information combined with exposed assets and vulnerability supports risk-based decisions.
  1. Identify risk: determine what can happen, where and to whom. For a flood, gather past inundation, low ground, river and settlement data.
  2. Assess risk: examine likelihood, depth/velocity, people and assets, construction and coping capacity. Rank areas by potential harm.
  3. Communicate risk: provide understandable maps, warnings and explanations to planners, responders and residents. Include uncertainty and local accessibility needs.
  4. Mitigate risk: apply zoning, drainage improvements, shelters, evacuation and training; update the assessment after changes.

Analysis and assessment

Disaster analysisDamage / needs assessment
Explains why and how an event produced losses.Estimates what has been damaged and what assistance is needed.
Investigates mechanisms, vulnerabilities and failures.Measures affected people, services, losses and recovery requirements.
Uses event data, models and causal investigation.Uses surveys, inspections, inventories and field reports.
Supports long-term prevention and improved planning.Supports relief allocation and recovery priorities.

This comparison concerns post-disaster damage/needs assessment. Assessment is not restricted to after a disaster: pre-event risk assessments are essential too. Neither word guarantees greater accuracy by itself.

Two applications

Flood: overlay predicted inundation, settlements and shelters to select safe routes and prepare assisted evacuation. Landslide: overlay slope susceptibility, roads and settlements to identify closures, monitoring points and alternative access.