Indicator Based Assessment of Integrated Flood Vulnerability Index for Brunei Darussalam
Dilip Kumar Jha, Rajib Kumar Bhattacharyya, S Salim Shyam, Udita Rohana Ratnayke
Abstract
Since the beginning of human civilization, the flood is always connected with extensive destruction of properties and loss of lives. The intensity of flood-related disasters is increasing day by day due to the rapid increase in development activities, changes in land-use land-cover, population growth, unplanned urbanization, and above all, the driving force resulting from climate change and climate variability. Therefore, researchers are paying increased attention to floods with particular focus on flood vulnerability. The present study is a pioneer attempt on indicator-based flood vulnerability assessment for Brunei Darussalam. In this study, an integrated approach towards vulnerability assessment has been proposed, considering hydrological, environmental, social, and economic aspects of different districts of Brunei Darussalam. Indicators are generated and incorporated to visualize the vulnerability map of the country. The findings of the study can be used to identify the vulnerability status of different regions in Brunei, used to reduce the vulnerability and also to minimize disaster risk by allocating more resources for vulnerable districts. The results of the study will also be helpful in deriving better disaster management strategies for the country.