Indicator–based vulnerability assessment of households to typhoons and inundation in a ward in Da Nang City, Vietnam

Abstract

Abstract The indicator–based vulnerability assessment of households to typhoons and inundation was conducted in a ward of Da Nang city after the historical typhoon Son Ca 2022. A set of 18 indicators, encompassing three components of exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity, was used for vulnerability assessment. In–depth and semi–structured interviews revealed that 42% and 89% of the interviewed households were affected by typhoons and inundation, respectively. The study noted that nearly 87% of households experienced inundation–induced damage at varying intensities in October 2022. The surveyed results also demonstrated that 88% of the interviewed households had at least 01 child under 11 years old, 22% had at 1–2 elderly above 65 years old in the family, and 16% were categorized as poor or near–poor households. 73% of the households resided in single–story houses (Type IV), 5% were living in temporary accommodations, and 8% lacked a stable livelihood. Although a high percentage of households were equipped with basic disaster mitigation tools (100%) and respondents received warning information about inundation (85%), only 16% engaged in disaster prevention training and propaganda courses. The assessment of exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity to typhoons and inundation was 0.58, 0.39, and 0.34, respectively (0 to 1 scale). Although the survey area was considered a highly adaptable and proactive area to disasters, the present study revealed that the vulnerability to historical disasters in the survey area was 0.63 (–1 to 2 scale). The results indicate that residents and authorities are insufficiently prepared to manage historical disasters effectively. The results of this study offer valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders in improving adaptive capacity and disaster preparedness effectiveness.