Post-Disaster Assessment of Buildings in Complex Geopolitical Context: Application to Beirut Port

Given the escalating frequency and severity of natural and man-made disasters, post-disaster reconstruction has become a pressing global concern for countries worldwide. Effective decision-making and project management are crucial in achieving the desired outcomes of recovery efforts. However, when coupled with complex geopolitical situations, post-disaster contexts present additional challenges, such as disrupted social cohesion and limited physical, financial, and human resources. To address these complexities, this paper introduces a Priority Index (PI) designed to assess buildings in post-disaster scenarios within complex geopolitical contexts. The PI serves as a valuable tool to aid decision-makers in prioritizing post-disaster reconstruction projects. To demonstrate its applicability, the index is applied to the specific case of Beirut, Lebanon, following a devastating explosion and a subsequent series of crises that unfolded from 2019 onwards. The proposed PI considers both the physical characteristics of the buildings and the socio-economic context surrounding them.