Integrated risk assessment to natural hazards: Case study - Motozintla, Chiapas, Mexico

D. A. Novelo-Casanova, O. Oropeza, E. Mansilla, J. L. Macías, I. Alcántara, F. J. Cantarero, M. Figueroa, F. Rodríguez-Van Gort, J. M. Sánchez-Núñez

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

In this work we assess the risk to natural hazards in the community of Motozintla located in southern Mexico in the state of Chiapas (15.37°N, 92.25°W) with a population of more than 20,000 people. Due to its geographical and geological location, this community is continuously exposed to the impact of many different natural hazards (earthquakes, landslides, volcanic eruptions, and floods). To determine the level of risk to natural hazards in the community, we developed integrated analysis of seismic microzonation, landslide and flood susceptibility as well as volcanic impact using standard methodologies. Vulnerability was quantified from interviews of local families considering structural and socioeconomic variables. The families surveyed were randomly selected considering a sample statistically significant. All results were spatially analyzed using a Geographical Information System (GIS). Our results indicate that the community of Motozintla is highly exposed to floods, landslides and earthquakes and to a lesser extent to the impact of volcanic eruptions. The locality has a high level of structural and socio-economic vulnerability to the main identified hazards (floods and landslides). Another major observation is that the community organization for disaster prevention is practically nonexistent. These natural and social conditions indicate that the community of Motozintla has a very high level of risk to natural hazards. This research will support local decision makers in the development of an integrated comprehensive natural hazards mitigation and prevention program.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationDisaster Management and Human Health Risk III - Reducing Risk, Improving Outcomes
Pages281-291
Number of pages11
DOIs
StatePublished - 2013
Externally publishedYes
Event3rd International Conference on Disaster Management and Human Health: Reducing Risk, Improving Outcomes, DMAN 2013 - A Coruna, Spain
Duration: 9 Jul 201311 Jul 2013

Publication series

NameWIT Transactions on the Built Environment
Volume133
ISSN (Print)1743-3509

Conference

Conference3rd International Conference on Disaster Management and Human Health: Reducing Risk, Improving Outcomes, DMAN 2013
Country/TerritorySpain
CityA Coruna
Period9/07/1311/07/13

Keywords

  • Chiapas
  • Mexico
  • Natural hazards
  • Risk assessment
  • Social vulnerability

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