In the face of increasing flood risks, particularly in urban areas, a groundbreaking study from Bo Liu of the School of Geodesy and Geomatics at Wuhan University is setting new standards for emergency shelter site selection. Published in the journal Cleaner Engineering and Technology, this research introduces a robust multi-criteria decision-making model that promises to transform how cities like Zhuhai, China, prepare for and respond to flooding events.
Floods in China affect approximately two-thirds of the country’s land area annually, leading to significant economic losses and posing serious threats to urban safety and development. Liu’s research addresses a critical gap in existing site selection methodologies, which often overlook the complexity of flood relief scenarios. “Our model not only categorizes the influencing factors systematically but also integrates multiple decision-making algorithms to ensure a comprehensive evaluation,” Liu explained.
The model classifies factors into four categories: hazard, exposure, vulnerability, and relief capacity, selecting 11 key indicators such as flood risk, precipitation, and slope. By employing advanced algorithms like the analytic hierarchy process and TOPSIS, the model effectively balances subjective expert opinions with objective data. This innovative approach resulted in a remarkable 55.3% increase in the coverage rate of selected emergency shelter locations compared to previous methods.
Liu’s findings highlight that over 90% of existing emergency shelters in Zhuhai are located near the newly identified sites, indicating a significant alignment with practical needs. Notably, the study identified the central part of Xiangzhou District as having the highest demand for emergency shelter construction, coupled with optimal conditions for such developments. “The sensitivity of indicators like slope and impervious surfaces underscores the need for careful planning in urban development,” Liu noted, emphasizing the commercial implications of this research for construction firms and urban planners.
As cities grapple with the realities of climate change and urbanization, Liu’s study offers a forward-thinking framework that could redefine how emergency shelters are integrated into urban infrastructure. The potential for this model extends beyond Zhuhai, presenting a scalable solution for cities worldwide facing similar flood risks.
For the construction sector, this research not only paves the way for more effective emergency preparedness but also opens new avenues for investment in resilient infrastructure. As urban areas continue to expand, the demand for strategic site selection for emergency shelters will become increasingly vital, making Liu’s work a cornerstone for future developments in urban flood prevention and mitigation.
This pioneering research is a significant step toward enhancing urban resilience and ensuring public safety in flood-prone areas. For more about Liu’s work and the School of Geodesy and Geomatics, visit lead_author_affiliation.
