Geological hazard vulnerability assessment based on Cloud model in Zhejiang Province, China

Abstract Geological hazard vulnerability assessment plays a crucial role in disaster prevention and mitigation strategies. However, current methodologies often prioritize identifying high vulnerability areas, neglecting regional vulnerability level assessment. Addressing the ambiguity and uncertainty inherent in this process is essential for enhancing assessment accuracy. This study focuses on Zhejiang Province, employing an index system of exposure, sensitivity, and coping capacity for vulnerability assessment. Utilizing combination weights based on game theory, we generated the vulnerability distribution map for geological hazards in Zhejiang Province. Subsequently, employing cloud model, we graded vulnerability across Zhejiang Province and its subordinate districts and counties. The results show that: 81% of the areas in Zhejiang Province are very-low vulnerability, with remaining areas classified as low (9%), medium (4%), high (4%), and very-high (2%) vulnerability. High vulnerability areas are primarily concentrated in the plains near the Qiantang River estuary and Hangzhou Bay, alongside coastal regions in southeastern Zhejiang, which have the common points of developed economy and dense population. The cloud model vulnerability grading results show that: Zhejiang Province is very-low vulnerability. Specifically, Gongshu District in Hangzhou is identified as a very-high vulnerability area, with Shangcheng District categorized as high vulnerability. Additionally, there are 5 medium, 26 low, and 57 very-low vulnerability areas among the districts and counties assessed. These findings furnish a basis for advancing geological disaster preparedness and mitigation efforts throughout Zhejiang Province.