Abstract
Disaster risk is determined by the combination of physical hazards and the vulnerabilities of exposed elements. Vulnerability relates to the susceptibility of assets such as objects, systems (or part thereof) and populations exposed to disturbances, stressors or shocks as well as to the lack of capacity to cope with and to adapt to these adverse conditions. Vulnerability is dynamic, multifaceted and composed of various dimensions, all of which have to be considered within a holistic vulnerability assessment.