Integration of Earth Observation and Geospatial Datasets for the Development of a National Multi-hazard Risk Assessment in Cyprus

Abstract. Cyprus is located in the Eastern Mediterranean region, which is an area exposed to multiple natural hazards including wildfires, floods, earthquakes and landslides. A comprehensive, approach for multi-hazard risk assessment is very essential for mitigation strategies in order to enhance resilience. This study integrates Earth Observation (EO) and geospatial datasets to assess and reduce multi-hazard risks, highlighting the role of remote sensing in vulnerability mapping. The proposed methodology combines Copernicus Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 satellite imagery and other auxiliary datasets, which are provided by national stakeholders, like the Department of Lands and Surveys, the Geological Survey Department, the Department of Forests, and the Water Development Department. Moreover, environmental variables derived from EO data, such as land use/land cover, vegetation indices, and topographic parameters, were analyzed to identify hazard vulnerable areas. The integration of these datasets provides a more accurate and holistic understanding of risks. The results derived from our approach show high accuracy compared to ground truth data, confirming the effectiveness of EO techniques in multi-hazard risk assessment. The study highlights the importance of geospatial technologies in disaster risk reduction and decision-making processes. By providing high-resolution, near-real-time data, EO-based approaches enable policymakers, stakeholders, and organizations to implement targeted mitigation measures.