Determining the suitability of social infrastructure as an evacuation center for multi-hazard risk mitigation and emergency response | |
| Author | Rana, Rubina |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.DM-25- |
| Subject(s) | Hazard mitigation--Fiji Disaster relief--Fiji |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Disaster Preparedness, Mitigation and Management |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | Effective disaster preparedness is vital in hazard-prone areas like Nadi, Fiji, which faces frequent cyclones and floods. This study evaluates the suitability of various social infrastructure buildings, educational buildings, community halls, and religious buildings—as evacuation centers (ECs) in Nadi. Using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), 15 buildings were assessed against ten criteria identified through literature review, expert consultation, and field surveys. Key criteria included location safety, accessibility, structural resilience, and capacity. Water availability, emergency power supply, staffing, and medical space were weighted most heavily, emphasizing their role in evacuee safety. While proximity to hazards and a history of flooding or cyclones were less significant, they remained relevant. Findings reveal that schools are the most suitable for EC designation due to their structural integrity, space, and capacity. Community halls and religious buildings are the least suitable, with limitations in capacity, water, sanitation, and hygiene. Of the 15 buildings assessed, six were ranked highly suitable, five moderately suitable, and four poorly suited. Recommendations include reinforcing less suitable ECs, improving accessibility, increasing resources, and establishing a standardized EC certification process. These findings offer a data-driven framework for assessing EC suitability, providing practical guidance for policymakers and emergency planners in Fiji and similar island states across the Pacific. |
| Year | 2025 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Engineering and Technology |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Disaster Preparedness, Mitigation and Management (DM) |
| Chairperson(s) | Pal, Indrajit |
| Examination Committee(s) | Ahmad, Mokbul Morshed;Santoso, Djoen San |
| Degree | Thesis (M. Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2025 |