Abstract

The Chilean territory has been affected by various natural hazards, which have been exacerbated by current land use practices resulting into serious consequences for the affected communities. In this research, a model was developed that allows visualizing the behavior of the Mehuin system (Los Ríos Region, Chile) and identifying the variables that affect community resilience in the face of a tsunami. Results show that training in tsunami preparedness, an increment in unbuilt areas and community facilities, and the protection of coastal dunes and natural flood areas are the most beneficial alternatives for the Mehuin system to face a possible tsunami in a resilient way and it´s therefore where the authorities should focus their interest and the available resources. This model is a replicable tool for preventive adaptation of territorial systems exposed to different natural hazards, allowing an efficient use of public and private resources. © 2023, Revista de Geografia Norte Grande. All rights reserved.