The application of entropy weight theory in typhoon disaster vulnerability assessment

Natural disaster is one of the important factors that restrict regional sustainable development. Therefore, the study of models and tools of disaster vulnerability is a key issue for mitigating the consequences and risks of natural disaster in today´s world. The paper takes Fujian province of China as an example to study the application of entropy weight theory in typhoon disaster vulnerability assessment. It establishes the vulnerability assessment indicator system with natural environment, population structure, the level of economic development, etc. Then it uses the entropy weight theory and weighted comprehensive evaluation method to build assessment model, and it implements the vulnerability assessment with the aid of Geographic Information System. Finally, it carries out the spatial distribution map of typhoon disaster vulnerability for study area. The result shows that it can calculate the weight of each assessment indicator objectively by using the entropy theory, and the comprehensive evaluation model being built based on this method has clear physical meaning and can be calculated easily. The result of the assessment can reflect the extent of the typhoon disaster vulnerability seriousness and its regional differences of study area, which will provide decision support for the local management of disaster prevention and mitigation. In a word, it is feasible that the entropy weight theory is applied to assess the typhoon disaster vulnerability, and it will have wide application prospect.