| dc.description.abstract | Tropical cyclones (TCs) are major natural hazards in the Indian Ocean region, particularly in
the Comoros Islands, which are regularly hit by tropical cyclones, the latest of which was
Cyclone Kenneth in April 2019. The intensity and extent of TCs and their impacts are likely to
increase in the future due to climate change. It is therefore essential to carry out a proper cyclone
risk assessment, create risk maps and to identify areas where TCs risks are relatively high to
minimize potential losses caused by these cyclones. This study developed a multi-criteria
spatial approach to map the levels of TCs risk using geospatial technologies to quantify the
degree of risk in all the prefectures of the Comoros. A total of 14 spatial criteria covering three
risk components vulnerability and exposure, hazard and mitigation capacity were taken into
account. A spatial layer was then generated for each criterion with a weighted score using the
Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and ArcGIS. Map were then produced for all risk
components, and a final cyclone risk map was produced considering vulnerability, hazard and
mitigation capacity components. The maps obtained were then used to identify the spatial extent
and levels of risk considering four levels (very high, high, moderate, low and very low). The
results indicated that the prefecture of Ouani area was more vulnerable to TCs, due to its low
altitude, low slopes, being close to the costs, large number of historical cyclone paths and the
high population density. The methodological approach and results were then validated by a
qualitative assessment carried out in the field. Finally, cyclone risk reduction strategies were
suggested. This study has potential and valuable implications for experts and policymakers as
it provides a solid basis for the development of national risk maps and mitigation strategies to
reduce the disastrous impacts of TCs | en_US |
