No one-size-fits-all strategy in order to explain social vulnerability in different countries and disaster phases

The authors (see source document for full information) selected case studies of flood events in Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom, which all used a set of comparable indicators, but they also adopted a qualitative approach that is sensitive to the local context. The main finding was that it is not possible to identify a common set of socio-economic-demographic indicators that would explain social vulnerability in different countries and different disaster phases. For example, the variable 'tenure' (referring to the homeownership) is a significant predictor of vulnerability in the German and the UK case studies, but it made no contribution to explaining vulnerability in Italian case study. In contrast, the indicator 'membership in local voluntary fire brigade' is an important predictor in the Italian case study, but played no role in social vulnerability in the German or UK case studies (Kuhlicke et al., 2011).

Note: See source document for full reference.

Cultural Factors: Norms/values, Customs/traditions/rituals, Socio-economic status, Local knowledge

Hazards: Natural hazards

Disaster Phases: Prevention, Preparedness

Types of Actors Concerned: Non-active citizens, Local authorities, Government, Red Cross, NGOs

Recommendations:

• Consider vulnerable groups when designing and implementing disaster response measures