Urban Economics and Planning

Urban Economics and Planning

Evaluating the Physical, Institutional, Social, and Economic Impacts of Pre-Disaster Management Measures on Enhancing Urban Resilience Against Earthquakes (Case Study: Ahram City, Bushehr Province)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Ph.D Candidate in Urban Planning, United Arab Emirates Branch, Islamic Azad University, United Arab Emirates
2 Assistant Professor Department of Urban Planning, Roudehen Branch, Islamic Azad University, Roudehen, Iran
3 Associate Professor, Department of Urban Planning, Science and Research Unit, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Introduction 
Since it is impossible to accurately predict an earthquake’s time and severity, preventive measures are of particular importance to reduce its destructive effects and enhance the city’s resilience to crises. Pre-crisis management measures in various physical, institutional, social, and economic dimensions can be used to prepare for and improve the city’s situation in the face of earthquakes. These measures include enhancing urban structures, increasing the efficiency and readiness of crisis management institutions, strengthening social networks and social solidarity, and creating appropriate economic conditions to deal with possible earthquake damage. The importance of adopting these measures becomes more apparent in circumstances where experiences show that after an earthquake, access to financial resources, institutional cohesion, social preparedness, and the existence of resilient infrastructure are vital factors in reducing casualties, accelerating the reconstruction process, and preventing further damage to urban society. Therefore, scientific examination and evaluation of these measures play a key role in improving urban resilient structures and are considered a guide for urban managers and policymakers in prioritising preventive measures. Given the high risks of earthquakes in high-risk areas of Iran, examining pre-crisis management measures is a national necessity that can help reduce human and financial losses and ensure sustainable development and security of communities. This study can provide a platform for improving the level of urban preparedness. Ahram City in Bushehr province, as an example of an earthquake-prone city, has specific conditions for applying these management measures and increasing resilience. The main objective of this study is to investigate and analyse the impact of pre-crisis management measures on improving the physical, institutional, social, and economic resilience of Ahram City in Bushehr province to deal with earthquakes more effectively; therefore, the main question is how do pre-crisis management measures affect the improvement of the resilience of this city against earthquakes?
Materials and Methods
The present study was descriptive-analytical and field observations, aiming to provide a comprehensive basis for more detailed analysis in the next stages. In the second stage, the sample size was selected, and in this regard, the statistical population of this study was experts and specialists in the field of crisis management who have sufficient knowledge and experience in urban resilience. Experts and specialists were selected to collect information. Based on the Delphi technique and the observation of the principle of theoretical saturation, 25 people were considered an appropriate sample size. In the third stage, a questionnaire was designed. The opinions collected from the questionnaire constituted the main data of this study. In the fourth step, SPSS software was used to analyse the collected data. Data analysis was carried out using regression and path analysis methods to determine the relationship between pre-crisis management measures and various dimensions of urban resilience (physical, institutional, social, and economic). Regression was used as a method to examine the impact of independent variables on resilience, and path analysis was used to understand the causal relationships between variables. The methodology used provided the necessary tools for scientific analysis and explanation of the data. The data and analyses resulting from this process will be the basis for providing practical suggestions for improving resilience and crisis management in Ahram City.
Findings
Urban resilience to earthquakes is of great importance, especially for cities like Ahram that are exposed to earthquake hazards. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of pre-crisis management measures on various dimensions of the city’s resilience. The results show that with appropriate planning and actions, the city’s economic, social, physical, and institutional conditions can be improved, and its preparedness for earthquakes can be increased. These findings provide a basis for providing more precise and practical suggestions so that Ahram can be more prepared and resilient to earthquake hazards. The results of this study show that in Ahram city, pre-crisis management measures have a significant impact on promoting urban resilience to earthquakes. The findings indicate that the four dimensions of economic, social, physical, and institutional resilience, each with its own mechanisms, strengthen the city’s resilience and help the lever to be more prepared in the face of an earthquake. Among these dimensions, the economic dimension has the greatest impact on the resilience of the lever. This finding shows that the city’s economic recovery and sustainability, especially through the creation of economic infrastructure and financial support for local businesses, plays a key role in increasing resilience. Allocating emergency funds and strengthening economic capabilities allows the city to proceed with the reconstruction process more quickly and efficiently after the crisis. The social dimension also has a significant impact on the resilience of the lever. In this city, increasing public awareness and preparedness is of great importance. Local social networks, social solidarity, and active citizen participation can strengthen the city’s preparedness to face an earthquake. Therefore, implementing educational programs, raising awareness, and conducting relief exercises among the people can improve social resilience and reduce the damage caused by the crisis. Aharm’s physical infrastructure also needs further strengthening and improvement. Resilient and sustainable buildings and developing safe public spaces, especially emergency shelters, can increase the city’s physical resilience. Given that Aharm is located in an earthquake-prone area, paying attention to construction standards and creating resilient infrastructure is a vital part of preventive measures to reduce the effects of earthquakes. Finally, the institutional dimension is also effective as a complementary dimension in Aharm’s resilience. Strengthening institutions related to crisis management, increasing coordination and empowerment of local organisations, and creating comprehensive crisis management plans will allow the city to act more efficiently and coherently during times of crisis. Developing and strengthening institutional capacity not only enables a faster response to a crisis but also enhances the city’s overall resilience by building public trust in its ability to manage the crisis.
Conclusion
Based on the research results, it is recommended that policymakers and city managers in Aharem give greater priority to planning and investing in economic, educational, and physical resilience and strengthening crisis management institutions. These measures can increase the city’s preparedness for earthquakes, reduce the destructive effects, and help Aharem return to normal conditions more quickly after the crisis.
Keywords

Subjects


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Volume 5, Issue 3
Summer 2024
Pages 248-261

  • Receive Date 21 October 2024
  • Revise Date 31 October 2024
  • Accept Date 02 November 2024