An assessment of severe storms, their impacts and social vulnerability in coastal areas: A study case of General Pueyrredon, Argentina

Abstract

Severe storms are very frequent meteorological events which generate major damages in coastal areas around the world. This work aims to describe and analyze the characteristics of severe storms in relation to the spatial distribution of their impacts and the social vulnerability of the population in coastal areas. We selected the district of General Pueyrredon (-38°00′; -57°33′), Argentina, as a study case. A hydrometeorological hazard analysis was performed using data from the Estación de Observaciones Costeras (Coastal Observation Station) for the period 2013-2019. Wave height, period and direction were computed. In addition, wind velocity and wind direction were estimated. Then a regression analysis was done for both continuous variables. Storms were selected according to three parameters: impacted neighborhoods using national and local mass media, wave height and wind velocity using percentile and mean scores. Afterwards, a storm classification was performed by establishing three different synoptic situations. Finally, social vulnerability of the district was defined by creating an Index of Social Vulnerability to Disasters using social, economic and housing conditions.Results between 2013 and 2019 show that a 25.2% (827 events) of wave height represent valueshigher than 1 m, mainly from southeast direction (42%). Strong winds (≥43 km/h) represented 23cases with a higher frequency from north, northeast and northwest (29%). Linear regression modelresults showed that there are probably more factors influencing waive heights.1According to the storm selection, 45 events were analyzed. Those associated with cyclonic activity summarized 62.2% of total cases. These events produced floods, hail and strong winds which resulted in numerous evacuees, suspension of classes, fallen trees, power outage, and infrastructure damage.Very high social vulnerability was detected in 9 neighborhoods but only one in the coastline. Finally,by performing a risk analysis it was found that 20 quarters are highly vulnerable and exposed tosevere storms, with a small difference whether they were located in coastal (55%) or non-coastal areas(45%)