Where to go first: prioritization of damaged areas for allocation of Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) operations (PI-USAR model)

This paper presents the development of a spatial model for the allocation of the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) operation by computing the priority index of damaged areas (PI-USAR model). The relevant prioritization criteria were identified through a literature review and interviews with 30 disaster managers. The relative importance of these criteria was computed as weights using an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method; the criteria were combined based on AHP rules and spatial multi-criteria decision-making analysis in geographic information system (GIS). The PI-USAR model was applied in the case study area of the Bam city in Iran and a priority map was produced indicating four highly prioritized areas. The model was validated by comparing the obtained priority map with the actual priority map (APM) using fuzzy inference system and relative operating characteristic methods. The result suggested a good fit between the APM and the model's output. Sensitivity analyses were performed using the map removal and the single parameter methods. With the uncertainties and complexities that are inherent to the spatial data, spatial modelling and the earthquake phenomenon itself, the PI-USAR model offers some utility to disaster managers in understanding the significance of each criterion in the decision-making process and in identifying the highly prioritized areas for the allocation of USAR operations. However, its utility is best exploited in conjunction with other complementary sources of field data based on the immediate post-disaster situation.