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Risk identification and assessment

A qualitative or quantitative approach to determine the nature and extent of disaster risk by analysing potential hazards and evaluating existing conditions of exposure and vulnerability that together could harm people, property, services, livelihoods and the environment on which they depend. Performing risk, hazard and vulnerability assessments is a key disaster risk management activity.

This theme covers aspects related to hazard/vulnerability/climate risk assessment, disaster risk modelling and analysis.

Through UNICEF’s open-access GeoSight platform, decision-makers can visualise risk, compare layers, and identify priority areas for action.

Latest Risk identification and assessment additions in the Knowledge Base

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Update
2010: The wide reach of cascading impacts from volcanoes

2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption showed volcanic ash can trigger global transport and supply chain disruption beyond local damage, reshaping insurance BI/CBI thinking and driving new risk modelling.

WTW
Flood in a mountain produced by a glacial lake outburst
Research briefs
Data suggests greater glacial flood risk faced by Bhutan

Researchers at Newcastle University have carried out the first comprehensive modelling of glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) risk in Bhutan and identified previously unrecognised high-risk lakes.

Newcastle University
Update
Toxic tides: Rising seas increase risk of contaminants in Jacksonville’s waterfront communities

As Hurricane Irma’s path turned north, Saundra Morene was told she had to evacuate her Ribault River home on Jacksonville’s Northside. But she wasn’t worried.

Climate Central
The unfolding heat crisis in Thailand and Southeast Asia: Challenges and emerging solutions thumbnail
Documents and publications
The unfolding heat crisis in Thailand and Southeast Asia: Challenges and emerging solutions

This publication aims to raise awareness of the growing risks and impacts of heat stress and to provide practical guidance on regulatory, policy, and technical solutions that can help reduce its adverse effects.

Asian Development Bank (ADB)
Update
Credit risk of floods in the UK is contained. For now.

Moody’s finds that increasing severity and frequency of hazards, and the sunsetting of the UK reinsurance plan Flood Re in 2039, could widen public sector exposure.

Moody's
Update
Risk analysis of infrastructure vulnerability and sustainable resource exploitation in the Arctic

The rising temperatures in the Arctic, driven by human-caused climate change, have significant repercussions for the region’s peoples and ecosystems, with impacts extending far beyond the region.

The Arctic Institute
Search-and-rescue teams work through the rubble of a collapsed building in El Paraíso, southwest Caracas
Update
Venezuela’s deadly earthquakes happened on a fault similar to the San Andreas, and the risks aren’t over yet – a geophysicist explains

University of Southern California geophysicist Sylvain Barbot explained what’s known about the earthquake pulses so far, what risks are still ahead and why Californians should pay attention.

Conversation Media Group, the
Research briefs
Powerful solar storms may change weather patterns across North America

UNH scientist discovers the sun’s outbursts may briefly weaken rain and snow events.

University of New Hampshire
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