Scenario modelling and the risk assessment of natural disasters is one of the hotspots
in disaster research. However, up until now, urban natural disaster risk assessments
lack common procedures and programmes. This paper selects rainstorm waterlogging as a
disaster to research, which is one of the most frequently occurring hazards for most cities

in China. As an example, we used a small-scale integrated methodology to assess risks

relating to rainstorm waterlogging hazards in the Jing’an District of Shanghai. Based on the

basic concept of disaster risk, this paper applies scenario modelling to express the risk of
small-scale urban rainstorm waterlogging disasters in different return periods. Through this
analysis of vulnerability and exposure, we simulate different disaster scenarios and propose

a comprehensive analysis method and procedure for small-scale urban storm waterlogging
disaster risk assessments. A grid-based Geographical Information System (GIS) approach,
including an urban terrain model, an urban rainfall model and an urban drainage model, was
applied to simulate inundation area and depth. Stage-damage curves for residential buildings
and contents were then generated by the loss data of waterlogging from field surveys, which
were further applied to analyse vulnerability, exposure and loss assessment. Finally, the 

exceedance probability curve for disaster damage was constructed using the damage of 

each simulated event and the respective exceedance probabilities. A framework was also

developed for coupling the waterlogging risk with the risk planning and management

through the exceedance probability curve and annual average waterlogging loss. This is a

new exploration for small-scale urban natural disaster scenario simulation and risk

assessment.