Explain how human factors affect a population’s vulnerability to flooding (4 marks)

Population density will significantly affect vulnerability as a higher density population will lead to a larger number of people being affected. The level of social economic development will have an influential impact on the vulnerability of a population to flooding because it dictates the level of management strategies that are available, such as mitigation and adaptation techniques. A lower level will limit the services that can be provided before and after a flood occurs. A low social economic development usually coincides with a low literacy rate and a lack of education can lead to greater vulnerability in a population as there is confusion about how to respond to the event, which can lead to further damages and loss of life.