Enhancing disaster management in smart cities through MCDM-AHP analysis amid 21st century challenges

Abstract

In the era of rapid urbanization and technological progress, smart cities offer a promising solution to multifaceted global challenges, leveraging advanced technologies to optimize resources and enhance the quality of life; however, this interconnectedness also exposes them to novel vulnerabilities, particularly in the face of natural and man-made disasters, necessitating inventive strategies to ensure resilience against cyber threats and extreme weather events. This article delves into the exploration of smart cities’ diverse aspects and the categories of disasters they face, followed by an analysis of strategic mitigation approaches and their underlying criteria; it subsequently introduces the Multi-Criteria Decision-Making methodology, particularly Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), as a robust tool for systematic evaluation and prioritization of disaster management strategies in the increasingly complex landscape. The study’s analysis of relative weights underscores the pivotal role of Resilience Enhancement and Communication Redundancy as primary considerations in evaluating disaster management strategies for smart cities, while other criteria such as Accuracy and Timeliness, Scalability and Adaptability, Cost-effectiveness, Ethical and Privacy Considerations, and Training and Skill Requirements assume varying degrees of importance in supporting roles, providing valuable insights into the decision-making process. The assessment of alternative strategies highlights their prioritization in effective disaster management for smart cities, with notable emphasis on Citizen Engagement and Education, Early Warning Systems, and data analytics; further strategies such as Integrated Communication Systems, Resilient Infrastructure Design, Drones and Robotics, Artificial Intelligence Algorithms, and IoT-enabled Sensors and Monitoring exhibit varying degrees of significance, offering insights into their roles and potential contributions to disaster management strategies based on their weighted sums. This research has practical significance, guiding stakeholders like urban planners, policymakers, and disaster management professionals to enhance smart city resilience and prioritize strategies based on critical factors, ultimately enabling effective disaster management in smart cities amid 21st-century challenges.