Hazard Mapping and Vulnerable Population Estimation of Chlorine Gas Dispersion

Abstract

Due to recent economic development of China, toxic chemicals like Chlorine are manufactured and transported even more and hence the accidental release of Chlorine gas and the disasters is increasing day by day. Potential for disaster occurrence increases with the rise in population density, it also depends on the location and weather conditions and ground roughness as well. Coastal areas such as Boao town are at high risk as chemicals like Chlorine are usually traded through ships and wharf points near urban areas are always consider as threat zones. For the risk assessment of Chlorine gas toxicity, we took a wharf point of Boao town as a sample location. Heavy gas dispersion model is utilized to predict the area at risk in case of accidental release of Chlorine gas from a ship. This model helps to estimate the vulnerable area, based on chemical condition of the substance and meteorological conditions. Three different threat zones are created for three weather conditions based on prevailing seasons, and hence the affected area is calculated in different scenarios. For calculating the vulnerable population, the zonal statistical tools and geographical information tools are also been used, which helps us determine the population needed to evacuate and rescue immediately. Hazard and vulnerability maps can be used by the decision makers for better planning.