Smart Disaster Management Solutions for Risk Mitigation and Preparedness in Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Background and objective The city of Tehran is facing serious challenges in the field of disaster management due to high population densities and being in a natural disaster-prone area. This study aims to identify the strengths and weaknesses (internal factors) and the opportunities and threats (external factors) of crisis management in Tehran at the stages of risk mitigation and preparedness, focusing on prioritizing relevant strategies for smart disaster management. Method A mixed-method approach was used in this study. The data were collected using a library method and semi-structured interviews. Ten experts in smart city, disaster management, and urban planning were interviewed. The SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) technique was used for the analysis, while the quantitative strategic planning matrix (QSPM) was employed for strategy prioritization. Results The internal factors had a score of 2.333, and external factors had a score of 2.351. Based on the strategic position and action evaluation (SPACE) matrix, the most suitable strategic position to address the challenges of smart disaster management in Tehran was a defensive position. After evaluating 23 strategies according to the total attractiveness scores in the QSPM, the following strategies had the highest priorities: WT3 with a total attractiveness score of 5.593, ST5 with a total score of 5.127, WO3 with a total score of 5.125, WT2 with a total score of 5.055, WO4 with a total score of 5.009, and SO1 with a total score of 4.988. Conclusion Based on the prioritized strategies, it is important to identify and monitor facilities and urban equipment with improper placement, particularly in areas with high construction rates, using online tools. Online databases should be used for locating and rectifying the positions of existing and future facilities. It is also essential to establish restrictive laws to prevent construction in flood-prone areas, and their implementation should be monitored. Furthermore, a smart system for managing worn-out urban fabrics should be designed and executed for collecting information on such fabrics online and registering the beneficiaries.