## 1 Introduction  
Natural hazards such as wildfires, floods, and landslides pose serious risks to human lives, infrastructure, and the environment--and evidence suggests that these events are becoming more frequent and intense. For this reason, there is a growing need to reduce community vulnerability and strengthen local resilience. In response, the United Nations adopted the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, which emphasizes understanding disaster risks, improving risk governance, investing in prevention, and strengthening disaster preparedness for more effective responses and recovery efforts [1].  
The framework also highlights the importance of reducing vulnerability--an outcome shaped by both environmental and socioeconomic factors. Vulnerability reduction includes not only technical measures, such as building flood defenses or firebreaks, but also the ability of communities to respond to and recover from disasters. This involves integrating hazard assessments into planning processes, improving early warning systems, and promoting awareness and preparedness [2, 3]. By addressing these factors, both the risk and the long-term impacts of disasters can be reduced.  
Technological advances in recent years have made Geographic Information Systems (GIS) essential tools in disaster risk reduction. GIS allows researchers and decision makers to analyze spatial data, create hazard maps, and visualize areas at risk [4]. By combining multiple datasets--such as topography, land use, and rainfall--GIS supports models that identify the areas most vulnerable to specific hazards [5]. These hazard maps are valuable for local authorities and urban planners, helping them prioritize areas for emergency planning and guide development away from high-risk zones.  
In addition to technical analysis, GIS tools are increasingly used for public education and engagement. Through web-based applications, hazard information can be shared in an interactive and easy-to-understand format. These tools allow users to explore maps, view real-time data, and better understand the risks in their area [6]. Examples like FEMA's Hazus [7] and the European Copernicus Emergency Management Services [8] show how GIS platforms can help individuals and communities prepare more effectively [9]. Crowdsourced platforms, such as Ushahidi, also demonstrate how public input can improve situational awareness during disasters [10].  
Lefkas (Lefkada) Island, located in the Ionian Sea in Western Greece, is well known for its natural beauty and as a tourist destination. However, its seismic activity, steep terrain, and Mediterranean climate make it vulnerable to several hazards, including landslides, floods, wildfires, and desertification. These hazards threaten both the safety of residents and the island's economy, which heavily depends on tourism.  
This paper presents a GIS-based analysis of major hazards affecting Lefkas Island, combined with the development of an interactive web application designed to make hazard information more accessible to the public. This effort is aligned with the goals of the Sendai Framework and aims to support local authorities, residents, and visitors by increasing awareness, promoting preparedness, and helping guide safer land-use decisions. By integrating spatial data with community-focused tools, this work contributes to building local resilience and supporting disaster risk reduction on the island.