Vulnerability and Risk Measurement of Climate Induced Disasters in Gujarat

Risk and vulnerability measurement is the first necessary step for any serious contemplation of disaster reduction strategies as well as climate change policies. Measuring vulnerability risk is an emerging technique which can systematically assess and analyse vulnerability and risk due to future possible climatic hazards. It can reveal many adverse effects which are led by climate induced disasters on society. Therefore, it helps state as well as society for preparing and adopting adequate and successful measures for reducing the risk factors. In other words, measuring vulnerability and risk can show direction for preventing losses. It leads towards preparedness to reduce recovery time rather than dependence on relief and reconstruction and can help decision-makers in prioritising their intervention for proactive disaster mitigation strategies and climate change policies. This book has assessed the pattern of climate induced disaster in Gujarat. It argues that disasters and development are mutually related. Disasters can create a setback in a process of development. At the same time, the type of development can increase or reduce the risk due to disaster. Therefore, the risk due to climate induced disasters also depends on vulnerability pattern on the state. This book has explored a regional model for assessing the pattern of vulnerability within the state by identifying the determinants of vulnerability existing in the state. It has finally provided the ways and means of integrating risk reduction strategies into development planning and climate change policies.