Measuring Livelihood Resilience in Multi-Hazard Regions: A Case Study of the Khuzestan Province in the Persian Gulf Coast

Assessing community-level resilience and implementing strategies to enhance it are essential for maintaining fundamental community functions, coping with and mitigating risks, effectively reducing hazards, and promoting sustainable regional development. Accordingly, this study aimed to measure hazard exposure and livelihood resilience in the counties of Khuzestan Province. Hazard exposure to earthquakes, flooding, and drought was evaluated using decision-making techniques within a geographic information system (GIS). Additionally, a multi-criteria decision-making approach incorporating eight indicators was employed to calculate the integrated livelihood resilience indicator for the counties. The results indicated that the northern and northeastern counties exhibit the highest potential for flooding and earthquake hazards, whereas the southern and southwestern counties are most vulnerable to flooding and drought. Moreover, Dezful, Shadegan, and Ahvaz counties demonstrated the highest levels of livelihood resilience, while Lali, Haftkel, and Andika counties exhibited the lowest levels. Assessing hazard exposure and livelihood resilience represents critical steps in risk reduction management programs and initiatives. Evaluating community-level livelihood resilience in multi-hazard areas is a vital component in advancing the global objectives of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the Sustainable Development Goals.