Evaluation of Urban Transportation Resilience under Extreme Weather Events

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The topic of the paper is really up-to-date, the possibility of extreme weather is higher and higher due to climate changes. The shown method is interesting although I have the feeling it is "just" a follower method, it cannot be used as forecast, or warning method. Could you please explain if it is possible to use the method as forecast or warning. If not, than what is the meaning of the method, why it is good?  What is the benefit?

Please correct figures 6-10, they are too big, bigger than the row width!

Author Response

We feel great thanks for your professional review work on our article. As you are concerned, there are several problems that need to be addressed. According to your nice suggestions, we have made extensive corrections to our previous draft. Point-by-point responses to the reviewer are listed below this letter.

Reviewer #1

1. The topic of the paper is really up-to-date, the possibility of extreme weather is higher and higher due to climate changes. The shown method is interesting although I have the feeling it is "just" a follower method, it cannot be used as forecast, or warning method. Could you please explain if it is possible to use the method as forecast or warning. If not, than what is the meaning of the method, why it is good? What is the benefit?

Response:

1）This paper is a quantitative empirical study. Accurate analysis of data using follower methods in scientific studies is critical to determining the validity of empirical research. Since a follower method have been tested by previous researchers, and the results obtained from follower method is more convincing, which could ensure the accuracy of the analyzed results. Based on the accurate results, the researchers could try to identify the reasons why something happens and how to prevent similar events, which has important practical value, and also making the conclusions of the study more persuasive. The method quantifies the transportation resilience under rainstorm in different subareas of Fuzhou, China. Based on the quantified results, low resilience subareas are warned and measures are taken to mitigate the impact of the rainstorm.

2）The performance indicator and index calculation method introduced in this study could accurately monitor the transportation performance, and capture the perturbation of transportation network during the rainstorm. The resilience evaluation of administrative area is helpful to formulate emergency management measures based on the characteristics and development of each subarea. The evaluation results quantify the transportation resilience of the three subareas during rainstorm, which could help decision makers to identify the more affected subareas so that the rescue process can be properly prioritized. By understanding the transportation resilience of the three subareas, transportation managers can develop emergency plans to mobilize human and distribute the limited material resources during the life cycle of EWEs, for the purpose of enhancing the transportation resilience in different subareas of the city and guarantee its sustainable development.

 

2. Please correct figures 6-10, they are too big, bigger than the row width!

Response:

The size of figures 6-10 has been corrected in the paper.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Your study is an interesting investigation into infrastructure resilience in Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China. You research two storm impacts. First, on May 2, 2018 (yellow warning). Second, on June 20, 2018 (red warning). You used develop a statistical (nomothetic) resilience metric based on the integration of transport performance during extreme events that mirrors intuitive interpretation of graphs for zones/districts/satellites  Cangshan, Gulou and Jinan. 

Suggestions for consideration

Lines 474-475, consider replacing [demonstrate] with '[validates] the effectiveness of proposed indicator and method'?

Your conclusion paragraph (Lines 481>) could be strengthened. You assert that, 'Additionally, this study provides valuable information for urban transportation when faced with EWEs' and that, 'transportation managers can develop emergency plans to mobilize human and distribute the limited material resources'.  You also assert that, 'guided by this, the government departments can strengthen disaster prevention and mitigation measures, formulate emergency management policies ...etc.'  However, consider providing some concrete measures based on resilience response in the three districts. Perhaps interview some experts so that you can articulate some convincing concrete details.  This triangulated evidence beyond a restricted nomothetical world-view would tease out some nuanced practical insights or contextual caveats & strengthen policy recommendations.  At least include this consideration in your research limitations & recommendations for further research.

Author Response

We feel great thanks for your professional review work on our article. As you are concerned, there are several problems that need to be addressed. According to your nice suggestions, we have made extensive corrections to our previous draft. Point-by-point responses to the reviewer are listed below this letter.

Reviewer #2

1. Lines 474-475, consider replacing [demonstrate] with '[validates] the effectiveness of proposed indicator and method'?

Response:

Lines 477: Demonstrate has been replaced with validate in the paper.

2. Your conclusion paragraph (Lines 481>) could be strengthened. You assert that, 'Additionally, this study provides valuable information for urban transportation when faced with EWEs' and that, 'transportation managers can develop emergency plans to mobilize human and distribute the limited material resources'. You also assert that, 'guided by this, the government departments can strengthen disaster prevention and mitigation measures, formulate emergency management policies ...etc.'  However, consider providing some concrete measures based on resilience response in the three districts. Perhaps interview some experts so that you can articulate some convincing concrete details.  This triangulated evidence beyond a restricted nomothetical world-view would tease out some nuanced practical insights or contextual caveats & strengthen policy recommendations. At least include this consideration in your research limitations & recommendations for further research.

Response:

Line 501-504: We have added the suggested content to the research limitations & recommendations for further research.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf