The Social Vulnerability Index (SVI)

The Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) is a tool that measures how much different communities might be affected by emergencies or disasters, like floods or pandemics. It considers factors such as income, access to transportation, household composition, and language barriers. Communities with higher SVI scores have more challenges in preparing for or recovering from such events. This helps authorities identify vulnerable areas and allocate resources more effectively to protect those most at risk. Essentially, the SVI highlights social and economic strengths and weaknesses that influence a community’s resilience during crises.