Integrated Framework for Emergency Shelter Planning Based on Multihazard Risk Evaluation and Its Application: Case Study in China

Abstract

This study investigates the planning approach of diverse emergency shelter overall planning based on multihazard risk evaluation. Previous research on urban emergency shelter was limited to the planning process with single-risk evaluation or accessibility assessment. This study applied the model of multihazard risk evaluation, and proposes three improved methods in decision making from the aspects of (1) identifying the urban shelters and analyzing their accessibility in a potential disaster scenario, (2) mapping different types of shelter suitability, and (3) estimating the maximum population of displaced residents and shelter capacity. Together, those algorithms solve the quantification problems of type, position, and size of the shelter and improve efficiency for shelter distribution. The latter half of the paper applies this method to earthquake and flood shelter planning in the City of Changshu, China. The integrated framework for shelter planning proposed in this study helps effectively reduce duplicated construction of shelters in places facing multihazard risks, and provides insights into future urban disaster prevention practices in developing more scientific and rational strategies.