Assessing the physical vulnerability and post- tsunami adaptation in Concón, Chile’s central area

Abstract

This work discusses the physical weaknesses of the existing use and growth model in the coastal area of Concón, based on a physical vulnerability study of the urban infrastructure located in the southern area of the Aconcagua River’s estuary. In spite of having been impacted by two tsunamis in five years, the lower areas of this commune show constant growth, far from an adaptation model facing tsunami hazard settings. A high level of physical vulnerability was found in the buildings associated to tourism and gastronomy, the presence of residential infrastructure in exposed areas and more services in the area affected by the tsunami in 2015. Additionally, multi-protection adaptation strategies were also discussed, pointing to several adaptation measures applicable to the coastal border exposed to tsunamis in Concón.