A systematic literature review on multi-criteria decision making in disaster management

Abstract

This paper through a systematic literature review portrays the academic work that has been done in disaster management by applying multi-criteria decision making. This study reviews 36 academic articles that applied multi-criteria decision-making planning and management of natural disasters i.e. tsunami, floods, heavy rains, earthquake, land sliding, epidemic, pandemic, etc. This study finds out that lack of effective planning and management pre and post disasters is causing loss of human life, temporary migration of locals to safer places, loss of properties, and economic losses. Once the crisis is over, it requires efforts and additional finances to bring life to normal. There are regions where disasters are periodic such as floods in rivers or due to monsoon season. But with effective planning and pre-determined priorities, loss to human life can be mitigated. Disaster management departments need effective planning tools to forecast imminent disasters and prepare accordingly. This study is very relevant to the recent global pandemic COVID-19 that has caused human and economic losses and will leave footprints for the coming years and generations