Social vulnerability factors and reported post-disaster needs in the aftermath of hurricane Florence
This research examines the relationship between social vulnerability factors and reported needs following Hurricane Florence. Weighted least squares regression models were used to identify predictor variables for valid registrations that reported needs pertaining to emergencies, food, and shelter.
The results highlight disproportionate post-hurricane needs for specific communities, and suggest that more emphasis should be placed on these groups when planning for disaster response and recovery operations.
- the proportions of the population that is female, the population over 65, the population aged 5 and under, the population older than 5 years not speaking English and the minority population - were all predictors of the per capita reported emergency needs.
- the proportions of the population over the age of 25 with a Bachelor’s degree, the female population, the population aged 5 and under, the population above 5 years old that does not speak English, and the minority population - were all predictors of the per capita reported food needs.
- the proportions of the population over 65, the population aged 5 and under, and the non-Englishspeaking population above 5 years of age - were all predictors of the per capita reported shelter needs.