Search Results (51)

Urban disaster risks are escalating, and university campus emergency shelters (UCESs) are key to alleviating the supply–demand imbalance in emergency shelter services (ESSs) within high-density central urban areas. However, existing studies lacked the measurement of UCES service effectiveness from a regional supply–demand perspective, limiting the ability to guide planning practices. Therefore, we focused on the capacity of UCESs to improve regional supply–demand relationships and developed a service effectiveness evaluation framework for UCESs in the central urban area of Tianjin under an earthquake scenario. We identified emergency shelter spaces within the campuses and developed a campus–city collaborative shelter capacity model to determine their service supply capacity. Then we quantified regional service demand driven by seismic risk. Finally, we quantified the service effectiveness of each UCES by constructing a service effectiveness evaluation model. Results showed that (1) the total shelter capacity and service coverage of 13 UCESs accounted for approximately 32.1% of the central district’s population and 67.5% of its land area, indicating their strong potential to provide large-scale ESSs. (2) Average seismic risk values ranged from 0.200 to 0.260, exhibiting the characteristic of being higher in the south and lower in the north. (3) Service effectiveness was classified into three levels—higher (1.150–1.257), medium (0.957–0.988), and lower (0.842–0.932)—corresponding to planning interventions that can be implemented based on them. This study aims to reveal differences between different UCESs to improve regional supply–demand relationships by evaluating their service effectiveness and supporting refined emergency management and planning decisions. Full article

When natural disasters such as earthquakes occur, accurate navigation and positioning information may not be available, making a purely inertial pedestrian navigation system particularly important for rescuers. In this paper, researchers propose a zero-velocity update architecture for pedestrian navigation based on the Informer model, which is integrated into wearable devices. This architecture modifies the fully connected layer of the Informer model to be used for the binary classification task of the zero-velocity update method (ZUPT), allowing for accurate identification of gait information at each moment using only inertial measurement data. By wearing the device on the foot during natural disasters like earthquakes, the location of the pedestrian can be more accurately determined, facilitating rescue efforts. During the experimental process, a Kalman filter model was constructed to achieve zero-velocity updating of the pedestrian’s motion trajectory. A 2000 m walking experiment and a 210 m mixed-gait experiment were conducted to accurately identify gait information at each moment, thereby reducing the cumulative error of the inertial system. Subsequently, a convolutional neural network (CNN) model and a model combining CNN with a long short-term memory network (CNN + LSTM) were introduced as comparative experiments to verify the performance of the proposed architecture. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed architecture enhances the adaptability of the zero-velocity update algorithm in underground or sheltered spaces, with all results outperforming the other two models. Full article

Disasters can be defined as natural, technological, and human-induced events that cause loss of life and socio-economic impacts in societies and stop normal life. Türkiye faces many disasters. The loss of life and economic losses caused by these disasters vary according to the type of disaster. Earthquakes are the natural disasters that affect Türkiye the most. Described as the disaster of the century, the Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes occurred on 6 February 2023 at 04:17 and 13:24 Turkish time. These earthquakes, with epicenters in Pazarcık (Kahramanmaraş) and Elbistan (Kahramanmaraş) with magnitudes of Mw 7.7 and Mw 7.6, affected 11 provinces including Kahramanmaraş, Hatay, and Malatya, killing 50,399 people and damaging 1,279,727 buildings. One of the most significant challenges following earthquakes is the issue of housing, which is addressed through the implementation of temporary housing units. This study aimed to evaluate the temporary shelter areas created after the Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes within the framework of regulations and standards in Türkiye and internationally. The study data were collected through direct observation and participant observation. For this purpose, the “Vali Saim Çotur Tent City”, which is located in the central Onikişubat district of Kahramanmaraş and is the second largest tent city, was examined. As a result of the examination, it was concluded that the tent city did not comply with national and international standards. Based on the findings and results of this study, it is recommended that disaster plans are revised and training programs organized for practitioners in order to prevent similar mistakes in future disasters. Full article

Background: Facility location is a key challenge in humanitarian logistics, particularly in disaster response, where rapid and efficient resource deployment is crucial. Temporary facilities offer a cost-effective solution due to their rapid deployment and flexibility in addressing increased demand and the dynamic conditions of post-disaster environments. Methods: This study conducts a systematic literature review following PRISMA guidelines to analyze facility location problems involving temporary or modular facilities in humanitarian logistics. A total of 65 articles from Scopus and Web of Science were analyzed. Results: Most studies focus on temporary facilities like shelters and medical centers in earthquake-affected areas, with most applications in Asia. Despite being temporary, only 6% of the studies consider closure decisions. Recent research explores modular facilities that enhance adaptability through module relocation and capacity adjustments. Conclusions: Temporary facilities after sudden-onset disasters require advanced modeling approaches that include multi-period planning, modular design, and complex decision-making, requiring solutions through heuristics or relaxations. However, there is a lack of research on their application in slow-onset and human-induced disasters. Moreover, considering geographical, cultural, and political factors is essential to ensure effective solutions. Further studies are also needed on facilities functioning as collection and processing centers, given their critical role in the humanitarian supply chain. Full article

Natural disasters often occur unexpectedly, catching people off guard, such as the Hualien earthquake on 3 April 2024. Many of the evacuation-monitoring systems currently in place lack real-time updates of shelter capacities, which raises the risk of overcrowding under wartime scenarios. This study developed a system for the targeted assignment of evacuation sites during air raids. The DBSCAN algorithm was used to group data based on pedestrian flow patterns and an LSTM model was used to enhance the prediction speed and accuracy. Weighted Voronoi diagrams delineated regions to identify optimal evacuation points, while real-time SMS notifications through base station positioning disseminated evacuation information to the public. The experiment results demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed system in facilitating safe evacuations across a broad range of geographic regions while reducing the number of LSTM models. Dynamic updates on the shelter capacities make it possible for citizens to make informed decisions during air raid emergencies. Full article

Deciding the locations of shelters and how to assign evacuees to these locations is crucial for effective disaster management. However, the inherent uncertainty in evacuation demand makes it challenging to make optimal decisions. Traditional stochastic or robust optimization models tend to be either too aggressive or overly conservative, failing to strike a balance between risk reduction and cost. In response to these challenges, this research proposes a multi-objective distributionally robust optimization (MODRO) model tailored for shelter location and evacuation allocation. First, an ambiguity set (moment-based or distance-based) is constructed to capture the uncertainty in evacuation demand, reflecting the possible range of outcomes based on demand data from a disaster simulation model. Then, the distributionally robust optimization model considers the “worst-case” distribution within this ambiguity set to minimize construction cost, travel distance, and unmet demand/unused capacity, balancing the trade-off between overly conservative and overly optimistic approaches. The model aims to ensure that shelters are optimally located and evacuees are efficiently allocated, even under the most challenging scenarios. Furthermore, Pareto optimal solutions are obtained using the augmented ε-constraint method. Finally, a case study of Ogu, a wooden density built-up area in Tokyo, Japan, compares the DRO model with stochastic and robust optimization models, demonstrating that the cost obtained by the DRO model is higher than a stochastic model while lower than the worst-case robust model, indicating a more balanced approach to managing uncertainty. This research provides a practical and effective framework for improving disaster preparedness and response, contributing to the resilience and safety of urban populations in earthquake-prone areas. Full article

Background: On 1 January 2024, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the Noto Peninsula. We entered the disaster area to provide relief and set up a makeshift clinic in an evacuation center to evaluate the quality and quantity of food provided there. Methods: This cross-sectional study, of mainly older adults, was conducted to analyze the amino acid and fatty acid composition of evacuation shelter meals in comparison with the results of the Japan National Survey, mainly focused on older adults. (1) We analyzed 11 evacuation foods using the “Duplicated Combination” Model and the digestible amino acid score (DIAAS) in relation to the half-life determined by the N-terminal amino acid proteins. (2) Linoleic acid (LA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) levels were compared with European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommendations (3). The national survey of emergency food stocks in 198 hospitals and 189 social care institutions conducted in Jan 2024 was analyzed. Results: (1) DIAAS was less than 1.00 for all 11 foods provided and was considered inadequate, (2) the half-life of the protein, whose N-terminal valine has a half-life of 100 h, must be considered a possible deficiency when living in a shelter for more than a week, (3) LA and ALA levels were less than 40% of EFSA recommended, (4) the nationwide survey found that 80% of people have a three-day supply and data on amino acids and fatty acids were not available due to a lack of questionnaires. Conclusion: Analysis of food in evacuation shelters after the Noto Peninsula earthquake revealed the quality of amino acids involved in shelter meals using DIAAS and the lack of LA and ALA for older adults. The “Duplicated Combination” model used in this analysis could be beneficial for developing improved nutrition plans in similar future scenarios, mainly for older adults. Full article

This research study assesses the effectiveness of the Socio-Technical Assistance (STA) program when combined with owner-driven housing reconstruction on rural private housing recovery after Nepal’s 2015 earthquake, particularly regarding vulnerable households. Through a quantitative, 304-question survey, the study reveals that 96% of households credited STA activities for accelerating reconstruction, with 95% acknowledging its significance and 78% emphasizing its necessity. Notably, 89% expressed dependency on STA for reconstruction, and 85% believed it heightened disaster risk reduction awareness. In conclusion, the study establishes that STA activities significantly contributed to the successful reconstruction of houses for vulnerable households, addressing such critical aspects as financial support, technical assistance, housing accessibility, earthquake-resilient construction, improved livelihoods, and safety enhancements. The field study presents crucial recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness of Socio-Technical Assistance (STA) activities in post-earthquake, rural private housing reconstruction. Emphasizing the need for tailored, demand-driven interventions, the study cautions against relying solely on an owner-driven reconstruction model, challenging the one-size-fits-all strategy. The study proposes integrating tailored interventions into overarching recovery strategies, advocating for coordinated efforts to enhance disaster risk reduction (DRR) awareness and to cultivate resilient communities in particularly vulnerable households as aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11, which focuses on sustainable cities and communities. This research aims to enhance the literature on post-disaster humanitarian shelter and settlement by emphasizing the significance of inclusive and comprehensive approaches to recovery and reconstruction. Full article

Background: Japan is a country often subject to natural disasters, influenced by a rapidly increasing aging demographic. The current research aims to analyze the food distribution for elderly evacuees who were relocated to a care facility in Wajima City, administered by the non-profit organization Tokushukai Medical Assistant Team (TMAT), post the Noto Peninsula Earthquake on 1 January 2024. A significant portion of the shelter’s inhabitants were elderly individuals. Methods: TMAT’s operations began immediately after the calamity, concentrating on evaluating the nutritional content of meals provided during the initial and subsequent phases, along with a thorough nutritional assessment. During this process, researchers examined the meal conditions for evacuees, including the elderly and those with disabilities, observed the actual meal distribution at welfare centers, and discussed the challenges and potential solutions. Result: Throughout the TMAT mission, a total of 700 evacuees received assistance, with 65% being 65 years old or above. An analysis of the nutritional content of the 10 meal varieties served at the shelter revealed inadequate energy and protein levels for elderly individuals, particularly men, indicating the need for future enhancements. Conclusions: Following a detailed evaluation of TMAT’s response to the Noto Peninsula earthquake, it was determined that the food provided in the shelters in the affected areas did not meet the nutritional needs of elderly individuals, especially men, based on nutritional analysis. To stress the importance of establishing an effective framework, it is recommended to promptly revise the emergency food provisions for the elderly population, considering they constitute the majority of the affected individuals. Full article

Religion involves expressing beliefs, performing practices, and obeying norms about what is considered sacred and worthy of worship. While some argue that religion has become irrelevant due to the widespread influence of secularism and scientific reasoning, many still find comfort in the sacred. Scientific research has shown that religion can positively impact health and safety, especially during disasters. Accordingly, religion plays a crucial role in one’s wellbeing. In the Philippines, the sound of church bells calls for parishioners to gather and celebrate, and acts as a warning system for different types of danger, such as earthquakes, typhoons, floods, raids, uprisings, and fires. Filipinos are warned to leave their houses and come to the church to take shelter. Thus, churches have been considered evacuation centers and loci for disaster risk-reduction undertakings. The proponents conducted a qualitative study investigating the disaster risk management strategies developed and implemented by St. Martin of Tours Parish Church in Bocaue, Bulacan, Philippines, during the “Pagoda sa Wawa” fluvial festival, where safety measures and crowd control are essential in maintaining a prayerful and peaceful experience. The objective of the study was to investigate how festival organizers prioritize the safety of devotees after a tragedy occurred 30 years ago, which resulted in the deaths of 266 people. Furthermore, this study explores the precautionary measures taken during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, recognizing devotees’ compliance and resilience for the common good. This study utilized a tripartite method, including reviewing relevant literature, participating in a pagoda fluvial parade, and conducting semi-structured interviews. The results were presented in a format that consisted of context, content, and challenges for the sake of coherence. Full article

Due to the complexity and uncertainty of decision-making, probabilistic linguistic term sets (PLTSs) are currently important tools for qualitative evaluation of decision-makers. The asymmetry of evaluation information can easily lead to the loss of subjective preference information for decision-makers, and the existing operation of decision-maker evaluation information fusion operators is difficult to solve this problem. To solve such problems, this paper proposes some new operational methods for PLTSs based on Dombi T-conorm and T-norm. Considering the interrelationships between the input independent variables of PLTSs, the probabilistic linguistic weighted Dombi Bonferroni mean Power average (PLWDBMPA) operators are extended and the properties of these aggregation operators are proposed. Secondly, the PLWDBMPA operator is used to fuse the evaluation information of decision-makers, avoiding the loss of decision information as much as possible. This paper uses social media platforms and web crawler technology to obtain online comments from users on decision-making to obtain the public’s attitude towards decision events. TF-IDF and Word2Vec are used to calculate the weight of alternatives on each attribute. Under traditional group decision-making methods and integrating the wisdom of the public, a novel multi-attribute group decision-making method based on TODIM method is proposed. Finally, the case study of Turkey earthquake shelter selection proves this method is scientific and effective. Meanwhile, the superiority of this method was further verified through comparisons with the PL-TOPSIS, PLWA, SPOTIS and PROMETHEE method. Full article

Shelter caves serve as crucial repositories that provide valuable insights into Late Pleistocene–Holocene depositional mechanisms and environmental changes. In this study, we conducted a stratigraphic analysis of the easternmost cave-fill succession within the Santuario della Madonna cave, located along the Tyrrhenian coasts of southern Italy. By examining the cave-fill deposits and their relationship with archaeological successions from previous excavation campaigns, we aimed to enhance our understanding of sedimentary evolution, specifically, the interplay between local and global environmental factors. A comprehensive sedimentological analysis was conducted, enabling the identification of three distinct sedimentary facies within the clastic succession that overlays the calcareous cave roof. Our findings reveal a noticeable shift in cave sedimentation processes, characterized by a gap in detritus accumulation followed by the deposition of flowstones. Furthermore, the presence of oversized boulders within the succession was attributed to failures from the cliffs that overhang the cave opening. We interpret these boulders as possible evidence of cave collapses induced by earthquakes, similarly to rockfall phenomena observed in the archaeological test pits within the shelter, which show a strong correlation with paleoseismic events. Full article

It is known that bomb-laden vehicles target many buildings as a result of terrorist activities. The effects of such attacks must be reduced and structures must be protected against blast effects. In high seismic hazard regions, buildings are designed to be earthquake resistant. One of the methods used to dampen earthquake effects on structures is base isolation. Base isolation is effective in distributing blast loads to the structure, similar to seismic loading. In this study, the effects of this distribution on the structure will be evaluated. The scope of the study encompasses the numerical estimation of explosive loads at different distances according to the explosive material carrying capacity of various vehicles and their effects on structures. Linear and nonlinear analysis methods were used to compare the dynamic behaviour of school buildings designed with and without base isolators. The Turkish Building Earthquake Code (2018), which includes the maximum seismic loads, was used in the design of the isolators. Numerical analysis was performed using SAP2000 software based on the finite element method. The blast loads were applied to the floors of the building using the direct integration method in the time domain. FEMA standards were used to determine the blast loads and the performance was evaluated in comparison with the numerical analysis results. As a result of the study, it was concluded that structures with base isolators are efficient in reducing the effects of an explosion at certain distances and these distances will affect the design of the shelter walls. Full article

The level of destruction caused by an earthquake depends on a variety of factors, such as magnitude, duration, intensity, time of occurrence, and underlying geological features, which may be mitigated and reduced by the level of preparedness of risk management measures. Geospatial technologies offer a means by which earthquake occurrence can be predicted or foreshadowed; managed in terms of levels of preparation related to land use planning; availability of emergency shelters, medical resources, and food supplies; and assessment of damage and remedial priorities. This literature review paper surveys the geospatial technologies employed in earthquake research and disaster management. The objectives of this review paper are to assess: (1) the role of the range of geospatial data types; (2) the application of geospatial technologies to the stages of an earthquake; (3) the geospatial techniques used in earthquake hazard, vulnerability, and risk analysis; and (4) to discuss the role of geospatial techniques in earthquakes and related disasters. The review covers past, current, and potential earthquake-related applications of geospatial technology, together with the challenges that limit the extent of usefulness and effectiveness. While the focus is mainly on geospatial technology applied to earthquake research and management in practice, it also has validity as a framework for natural disaster risk assessments, emergency management, mitigation, and remediation, in general. Full article

On 6 February 2023, Turkey and Syria were hit by two major earthquakes that caused extremely heavy structural damage to buildings and infrastructure in one of the most densely populated areas of Anatolia. The authors visited the devastated area shortly after the earthquakes in the frame of search and rescue and scientific missions in order to check whether the newly formed conditions have the potential to further affect public health. Based on the collected disaster-related field data, it is revealed that risk factors associated with and favoring emergence of infectious diseases are present in the affected residential areas from the first hours of the emergency state. The coexistence and synergy of many collapsed health facilities, cold winter conditions, destruction of lifeline infrastructures, overcrowding in emergency shelters, poor sanitation and adverse socio-economic conditions along with evolving crises and disasters (conflicts, pandemic and epidemics) may further aggravate the already fragile public health situation and cause considerable delays in the recovery process. Efficient disease surveillance at local and regional levels is a crucial requirement for early warning and protection against emerging infectious diseases in the earthquake-affected areas among other proposed measures for prevention and management of infectious diseases. Full article