Introducing the Flood Vulnerability Index (FVI) as a flood crisis management tool

Background and objective: Floods are among the most dangerous natural disasters that causes loss of life and property every year. The destructive effects of floods are more documentedو due to climate change and increasing economic and social development. Social and infrastructural vulnerabilities have also increased due to human settlement adjacent to river floodplains. Therefore, to prevent more damage to ecological systems and various assets of the landscape, including human capital, flood vulnerability assessment could be assessed as an essential part of regional planning and flood management plans. In this regard, the present study aims to provide concepts of flood and its vulnerability, as well as to describe the flood vulnerability index (FVI) as one of the important methods of vulnerability assessment. Method: The method used in the present study was based on literature review based on exploring the published articles and resources in the field of floods and the estimation of flood damages. In addition, appropriate approaches in assessing vulnerability have been studied from available resources. In this regard, the indicators used in calculating the flood vulnerability index were compared and discussed. Finally, considering the advantages and disadvantages of the methods used in the flood assessment studies, the use of FVI as a method that can examine the flood vulnerability from different aspects was explained. Results: Based on the results, indicators in six main components of meteorology, hydrology, natural, social, economic and investment have been used in the approaches related to assess the flood vulnerability. The use of indicators in each component is based on the dimensions affecting the flood, including sensitivity, exposure and resilience. The application of indicators varies according to the purpose as well as the available data. In addition, assessing the flood crisis at different spatial scales would be appropriate using FVI method through prioritizing areas in terms of degree of vulnerability. Conclusions: In conclusion, in case of data availability using the flood vulnerability assessment approach, all components affecting the factors of flood occurrence, resilience and damage will be considered. The Flood Vulnerability Index (FVI) provides a detailed and important view of large-scale and local decision-making and policy-making on flood vulnerability in an area, considering a variety of effective considerations. This index provides criteria in the level of exposure, sensitivity and resilience, which are the main concepts in flood risk assessment. Using this approach, flood vulnerability can be calculated in different regions, which is the basis for prioritization of flood crisis management and control measures to reduce the destructive effects of this phenomenon. Due to the widespread occurrence of floods in different parts of the country, the use of this approach can provide the basis for identifying vulnerable areas and take steps to reduce damage and control floods by applying sound management measures and planning.