Iuliana ARMAȘ, Dragoș TOMA-DANILĂ, Diana POPOVICI, Ruxandra MOCANU

Identifying optimal locations for mobile first aid facilities in Bucharest, accounting for seismic risk

Introduction

Identifying optimal locations for mobile first aid facilities in bucharest, accounting for seismic risk. Optimal sites for mobile first aid facilities in Bucharest are identified, accounting for Vrancea seismic risk. Multicriteria analysis considers building losses, high-risk areas & road connectivity.

Abstract

In case of a major earthquake in the Vrancea area, Bucharest can be significantly affected (as it happened in 1940 and 1977). As highlighted by these events, the need for establishing mobile first aid facilities close to affected areas (deployment of medical containers or mobile hospitals) is expected to be of high importance for saving lives. In this research we identify the need of suchfacilities and the favorable locations, considering multiple earthquake scenarios. Our methodology is based on multicriteria analysis in which we use the SMCE module of the ILWIS geospatial program and take into account three indicators: (i) the estimated losses in terms of affected residential buildings and occupants, calculated for 3 earthquake scenarios, (ii) distances from buildings with highseismic risk levels (categories I and II) and from important traffic routes, and (iii) road network connectivity loss after a major earthquake. The results identified the central and peripheral area as having complex issues and the need for future analyzes at the neighborhood level.

Review

This research addresses a critically important and highly relevant topic: identifying optimal locations for mobile first aid facilities in Bucharest in the event of a major earthquake. Given Bucharest's historical vulnerability to seismic activity, as evidenced by past events in 1940 and 1977, the proactive planning for emergency medical response is paramount for saving lives. The paper's objective to establish a methodology for this crucial task is timely and of significant practical value for urban disaster preparedness and resilience efforts. The methodology employed is based on multicriteria analysis, utilizing the SMCE module of the ILWIS geospatial program, which is a suitable and robust approach for complex spatial decision-making. The authors have appropriately integrated three key indicators to inform their analysis: estimated losses in terms of affected residential buildings and occupants across three earthquake scenarios, distances from high-seismic risk buildings (categories I and II) and important traffic routes, and post-earthquake road network connectivity loss. This comprehensive set of indicators demonstrates a thoughtful consideration of the multi-faceted challenges in disaster response, linking structural vulnerability, accessibility, and human impact. The results indicate that both the central and peripheral areas of Bucharest present "complex issues" regarding optimal facility placement, highlighting a need for more detailed analysis at the neighborhood level. While this finding offers valuable initial insights into broad problem areas, the abstract's conclusion suggests that the current scope might be more effective in identifying regions of concern rather than precise optimal locations. Future iterations of this research would benefit from a more granular output, potentially outlining specific sites or a methodology for neighborhood-level deployment, to maximize its utility for emergency planners and policymakers seeking actionable strategies.

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