Flood Vulnerability and the Three Dimensions of Sustainability Philosophy: An Innovative Concept Design for Rapid Assessment

Abstract

This paper proposes the concept design of a novel Localised Rapid Flood Vulnerability Index. This proposed index has been initially tested and applied to a specific locale in Somerset, UK. The early analysis demonstrates that flood vulnerability may be unique to an individual location, despite the flood risk being considered the same for identical adjacent properties. Interpretation of these findings should provide increases in understanding of the interaction between the socio-economic and natural environmental requirements and overall flood vulnerability at a localised level. This initial research demonstrates the need for a rapid and cost effective flood vulnerability assessment tool at the localised scale.