%0 Journal Article %A Weixia YIN %A Han YU %A Shujuan CUI %A Jing’ai WANG %T Review on methods for estimating the loss of life induced by heavy rain and floods %D 2016 %R 10.18306/dlkxjz.2016.02.002 %J PROGRESS IN GEOGRAPHY %P 148-158 %V 35 %N 2 %X

Under the background of global climate change and urbanization, the risk of heavy rain and floods increases rapidly, which poses great threats on the safety of the global population. It has become a focus in the field of natural disaster risk research to estimate the loss of life induced by heavy rain and floods. Based on the natural disaster system theory, this article first introduces a conceptual framework for estimating the loss of life induced by heavy rain and floods , which includes hazard (H)—exposure units (V)—disaster formative environment (E)—life losses (D). This framework indicates that life loss is a result of the interaction between these multiple elements. Based on existing research in China and internationally, the corresponding indicators and methods are summarized, which are presented in a multidimensional diagram of “impact indicator—loss indicator—analytical method.” This review article considers that the analysis of the multiple impacting factors-life losses relationship is at the core of the estimation of life loss from heavy rain and floods. Three types of methods for estimating the loss of life induced by heavy rain and floods are reviewed, including the vulnerability curve method that focuses on the relationship of H-D,integrated multi-factor analysis method that analyzes the relationship of H-V-E-D, and disaster system simulation method that considers the process of system evolution. Considering the availability of data and effectiveness of methods, no single method can meet the needs of risk assessment of life losses. From the perspective of natural disaster system, quantitative assessment of life loss and risk induced by heavy rain and floods should develop from including single factor to multiple factors; from using statistical analysis of indicators to dynamic simulation of processes; and from employing single method to the integration of multiple methods.

%U https://www.progressingeography.com/EN/10.18306/dlkxjz.2016.02.002