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Free keywords:
risk communication; volcanic hazards; social risk perception; resilience; demonstrator; scenario; multi-risk analysis
Abstract:
The inhabitants of Latacunga living in the surrounding of the Cotopaxi volcano (Ecuador)
are exposed to several hazards and related disasters. After the last 2015 volcanic eruption, it became
evident once again how important it is for the exposed population to understand their own social,
physical, and systemic vulnerability. Effective risk communication is essential before the occurrence
of a volcanic crisis. This study integrates quantitative risk and semi-quantitative social risk perceptions,
aiming for risk-informed communities. We present the use of the RIESGOS demonstrator for
interactive exploration and visualisation of risk scenarios. The development of this demonstrator
through an iterative process with the local experts and potential end-users increases both the quality
of the technical tool as well as its practical applicability. Moreover, the community risk perception in
a focused area was investigated through online and field surveys. Geo-located interviews are used to
map the social perception of volcanic risk factors. Scenario-based outcomes from quantitative risk
assessment obtained by the RIESGOS demonstrator are compared with the semi-quantitative risk
perceptions. We have found that further efforts are required to provide the exposed communities
with a better understanding of the concepts of hazard scenario and intensity.
