Risk mapping
Quantitative Value
1
2
3
4
Qualitative Value
Low
Medium
High
Very high
Practical Action
Low:
Medium:
High:
Very high:
Expresses minimal values and does not constitute a potential threat
Expresses intermediate values and could constitute a potential threat
Expresses high values and constitutes a threat
Expresses very high values and constitutes an extreme threat
For example
One of the vulnerability variables is the difficult access to communities. Roads are unpaved and
only four are suitable for motor vehicles, which gives those communities that only have unpaved
unsuitable roads a value of 4.
Another community located in a slightly flat area and also receiving precipitation is considered at a
value of 1.
4. Producing the vulnerability map
What are risk maps used for?
Risk maps allow the identification of the location of the risks and threats.
They offer authorities and organisations ideas, shared with the community and experts, to
make decisions and know what the existing dangers and threats are.
All local stakeholders take part, analyse, and allow us to understand their perception of
the situations.
Maps allow registering historical events that have negatively affected the community.
They help to prepare for emergencies.
For more information:
Practical Action Latin America
Disaster Prevention and Local Governability Programme
Av. Jorge Chavez 275 – Miraflores. Lima
Perú
Tel: (01) 447-5127 / 4467324/ 2429714
Practical Action
The Schumacher Centre
Bourton-on-Dunsmore
Rugby, Warwickshire, CV23 9QZ
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)1926 634400
Fax: +44 (0)1926 634401
E-mail: inforserv@practicalaction.org.uk
Website: http://practicalaction.org/practicalanswers/
Practical Action is a development charity with a difference. We know the simplest ideas can have the
most profound, life-changing effect on poor people across the world. For over 40 years, we have been
working closely with some of the world’s poorest people - using simple technology to fight poverty and
transform their lives for the better. We currently work in 15 countries in Africa, South Asia and Latin
America.
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