Rapid Vulnerable Assessment (RVA)

The Rapid Vulnerability Assessment (RVA) is a data-driven, community-empowered approach to evaluating the structural safety and disaster risk of urban buildings and infrastructure. Developed by Innovative Solution with financial support from UNDP, the RVA tool has been piloted in Kathmandu Metropolitan City and successfully replicated in six municipalities: Bharatpur, Bhimeshwor, Lalitpur, Amargadhi, Dhangadhi, and Nepalgunj.

bnThe assessment focused on identifying vulnerabilities related to earthquakes, fire, landslides, and potential inundation. It involved applying the RVA Tool to assess the structural vulnerability of houses, public buildings, and community infrastructure using a statistical model for seismic vulnerability mapping. The project also included the creation of GIS-based maps that incorporated building footprints, access roads, and detailed building inventories with structural and functional attributes, including critical infrastructure and open spaces. In addition, the assessment demonstrated various risk scenarios such as fire hazards based on road accessibility, earthquake vulnerability, and risks associated with landslides and flooding. To ensure sustainability and local ownership, municipal staff and local technical students were trained to conduct RVA surveys using the tool, thereby building local capacity for ongoing risk assessment and disaster preparedness.

The collected data was processed and visualized through GIS platforms to produce vulnerability maps that inform decision-making and urban planning. These maps serve as practical tools for municipalities to prioritize retrofitting, enhance emergency response strategies, and allocate resources effectively.

By combining structured data collection, geospatial mapping, and local engagement, the RVA initiative supports safer and more resilient urban communities. It also empowers municipalities and citizens to take ownership of disaster risk reduction and long-term resilience planning.