Role of social vulnerability variables in disaster outcomes: A case study of 2015 Gorkha earthquake, Nepal

Keywords: Vulnerability, Disaster, Nepal
Session Type: Virtual Paper Abstract
Day: Monday
Session Start / End Time: 2/28/2022 03:40 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 2/28/2022 05:00 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 17

Abstract

Social vulnerability plays a significant role in differential disaster outcomes and impacts and influences post-disaster recovery processes' pace and progression. In 2015, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck Nepal that claimed about 9,000 lives, and over five hundred thousand houses were collapsed or severely damaged. Most of the damages occurred in the country's remote mountainous regions, and the region is characterized by limited access to road networks, a high level of poverty, a marginalized population, and limited institutional and financial capacities. In this context, the current study explores the relationship between social vulnerability indicators and associated earthquake damages, fatalities, and injuries at the individual and household levels. Nineteen vulnerability-related variables were examined to understand damage outcomes by employing the ordinary least squares (OLS) method. Disability, illiteracy, social security benefits recipients, absentee population, and dependence on firewood positively impact earthquake outcomes. In contrast, the Dalit population, female-headed households, households without a toilet, piped water, and electricity are negatively associated. Such analysis will help communities identify possible recovery outcomes and pinpoint those communities that may require additional resources to support successful recovery and build resilient communities.