Vulnerability

jalal-dabeek's picture

An Assessment on Disaster Risk Reduction in the Occupied Palestinian Territory

Journal Title, Volume, Page: 
An Najah Univ. Journal (N.Sc.) Vol. 24
Year of Publication: 
2010
Authors: 
jalal dabbeek
Department of Building Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, An Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
Current Affiliation: 
Department of Building Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, An Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
Preferred Abstract (Original): 
Abstract In Palestine (the occupied Palestinian territories - oPt) there are a number of challenges in the field of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), notably natural hazards such as earth¬quakes, floods, desertification and droughts. Seismological studies show that there is a high probability of damaging earthquakes occurring in the region. At the same time, engineering studies show that seismic vulnerability of common buildings and infrastructures in the oPt is high. Major events triggered by climate changes and seismic activ¬ities may become trans-boundary. The objectives of this paper are to help establish a profile of DRR in the oPt and further help identify the needs of the oPt in the field of disaster risk reduction and management. In addition to the risk assessment, a review of existing legislation, capacities and shortages in various areas of needs, strengths and weaknesses in all elements of DRR plus institutional mechanisms towards disaster preparedness and prevention has been carried out. National and international initiatives toward DRR and case studies of (best) practices in the oPt were also reviewed. Historic data on recorded disaster related incidents pertaining to the number of people killed, the number of people affected and the economic loss incurred provides the main criteria for the risk assessment. The recommendations include regional cooperation, improvement/formulation of legislation toward disaster preparedness and prevention, linking policies and operations, coordination of central and local governments, political resolution, awareness and training, integration of DRR and management into national development, and developing a risk management database. Key words: Palestine, Hazards, Risk, Vulnerability, Capacity, Risk, Disaster Management, Risk reduction, Earthquakes, Floods, Need Assessment. .

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m.almasri's picture

Assessment Of Intrinsic Vulnerability To Contamination For Gaza Coastal Aquifer, Palestine

Journal Title, Volume, Page: 
Journal of Environmental Management 88 (2008) 577–593
Year of Publication: 
2008
Authors: 
Mohammad N. Almasri
Water and Environmental Studies Institute, An-Najah National University, P.O. Box 7, Nablus, Palestine
Current Affiliation: 
Department of Civil Engineering, An-Najah National University, Palestine
Preferred Abstract (Original): 
Gaza coastal aquifer (GCA) is the major source of fresh water for the 1.5 million residents of Gaza Strip, Palestine. The aquifer is under deteriorating quality conditions mainly due to the excessive application of fertilizers. The intrinsic vulnerability of GCA to contamination was assessed using the well-known DRASTIC method. Detailed analysis of the intrinsic vulnerability map of GCA was carried out and did consider different relationships between the vulnerability indices and the on-ground nitrogen loadings and land use classes. In addition, correlation between vulnerability values and the nitrate concentrations in GCA was studied. Based on the vulnerability analysis, it was found that 10% and 13% of Gaza Strip area is under low and high vulnerability of groundwater contamination, respectively, while more than 77% of the area of Gaza Strip can be designated as an area of moderate vulnerability of groundwater contamination. It was found that the density of groundwater sampling wells for nitrate concentration is high for the moderate and high vulnerability zones. The highest first quartile, median, mean, and third quartile of nitrate concentrations are reported in the high vulnerability zones. Results of sensitivity analysis show a high sensitivity of the high vulnerability index to the depth to water table.
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