Structural Analysis of Pre-hazard Preparedness Criteria in Iranian Large Cities

Studies have shown that Iranian large cities have experienced the most casualties and damages from natural hazards in 2010–2020 due to structural reasons. This research aims to extract, classify and determine the final model of drivers affecting the preparedness of these cities against natural hazards. The criteria were extracted by studying records and using the Delphi model’s opinions of 150 experts and city managers in 10 large cities. The combined output was 8 criteria and 70 sub-criteria that were assorted by considering the particular conditions of each study area. To obtain a multi-dimensional and comprehensive model, PROMETHEE and GAIA as structural methods have been used. PROMETHEE findings indicated that the most effective criteria for preparedness in large cities of Iran against natural hazards are institutional-managerial and social-citizenship. Also, based on GAIA VISUAL results, the comprehensive disaster preparedness plan and hazard mapping were identified as vital drivers and prerequisites of hazard preparedness. The output of GAIA has also shown that regarding the challenges of local government financing, the economic criteria (hazard-based investment, emergency budget and business continuity training) were the main facilitators and accelerators of the preparedness of Iranian large cities against natural hazards.