Development of an Exposure Vulnerability Index Map Using GIS Modeling for Preliminary Seismic Risk Assessment in Sabah, Malaysia

Abstract

This research was conducted with a view to updating the management of earthquakes through an exposure vulnerability and potential seismic risk assessment, along with its application in Sabah (a state in East Malaysia). A set of indicators and methodologies has been proposed in this study with the goal of evaluating the level of exposure vulnerability and potential risk of certain locations to earthquake events at the local district scale. This study specifically involves the development of exposure vulnerability indicators; the statistical analysis method to standardize multivariate data together with a weight calculation of indicator variables; and a mathematical combination of different indicators for the development of the index map using the spatial analysis function of Geographical Information System (GIS) tools. Then, the derived exposure vulnerability index (EVI) map is overlaid with the seismic hazard in determining the geographical location of the most vulnerable areas and their exposure to seismic hazard events. As a result, and based on the available data, the exposure vulnerability index map shows that most districts in Sabah are at relatively low and moderate levels of risk except for a few districts, with several major cities in Sabah, such as Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, Sandakan and Tawau municipality, being situated at a high or very high exposure index. The combination of EVI maps and hazard maps indicate the dominance of the two factors influencing the potential level of earthquake risk. Studies reveal most of the southwest and central parts of the region are not at risk, as both exposure and hazard factors are at a low level. The proposed approach depicts an instrument for identifying cost-effective risk reduction initiatives by providing a scientific method for regional risk planning and management strategies. This research represents the first attempt to evaluate Sabah’s vulnerability to this type of natural disaster by understanding the spatial relationship between exposure vulnerability and earthquake hazard, which undoubtedly could be improved in several aspects.

A Comprehensive Review of Holistic Indicators for Seismic Vulnerability Assessment of Malaysia

“…The study [31] employed the Rapid Visual Screening (RVS) method to map the physical vulnerabilities of the Kundasang area in Sabah, addressing the issue of limited building inventory data. Researchers are also working to uncover the spatial variance of the social vulnerability index to seismic risks in Pahang [32,33] and Sabah [34,35] by analysing demographic data and the density distribution of residential buildings.…”

Earthquake Risk Assessment of Sabah, Malaysia Based on Geospatial Approach

“…Recently, the seismic vulnerability assessment method and framework for Malaysia has been proposed [18] and part of the framework has been conducted in Pahang, Malaysia to assess the social vulnerability to the earthquake hazard at local districts [19]. Alternatively, the introduction of holistic risk components would be of great value for Malaysia, due to the provision of preliminary information on disaster preparedness and planning [20]. The proposed approach depicts an instrument for identifying cost-effective risk reduction initiatives by providing a scientific method for regional risk planning and management strategies.…”