GIS-based Vulnerability Analysis for Disaster Preparedness Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are powerful tools for analysing vulnerability and improving disaster preparedness because they integrate geographical, environmental, demographic and infrastructure-related information in a common spatial framework. Vulnerability analysis aims to identify people, places and resources that are likely to suffer greater losses from hazards such as floods, earthquakes, cyclones, landslides, droughts and industrial accidents. GIS helps planners understand the spatial distribution of risk and supports timely decision-making. GIS can first be used to prepare hazard maps by combining information on the location, intensity and frequency of hazards. For example, flood-prone areas can be identified by integrating rainfall data, river networks, elevation, drainage patterns and historical flood records. Similarly, earthquake vulnerability can be assessed by combining seismic zones, soil conditions, building locations and population distribution. Overlaying these different spatial layers helps identify areas where hazards and vulnerable conditions coincide. Demographic information is another important component of GIS-based vulnerability analysis. Population density, age, gender, disability, poverty, occupation and access to essential services can be mapped to identify socially vulnerable groups. Children, older persons, persons with disabilities and economically weaker communities may have greater difficulty evacuating or recovering after disasters. GIS can therefore help authorities identify vulnerable populations