GIS-Based Mapping of Emergency Response Assessment Due to Earthquake Vulnerability of Ward 33, Dhaka

The capital of Bangladesh, Dhaka is one of the most densely populated cities in the world; puts it at high risk in an event of a massive earthquake or any emergency outbreak. This study shows how to incorporate geographic information system (GIS) as a tool to expose seismic vulnerabilities of selected urban areas, therefore identifying the lack of emergency response time capacity of such cities. For study purposes, a sample of 400 buildings has randomly been selected to analyze earthquake vulnerability using rapid visual screening (RVS); a method established by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The methodology includes three different approaches for combining a final vulnerability score. From field surveys and satellite data, an optimum route model has been established to represent the emergency response time of firefighting agencies in congested as well as free flow conditions. To analyze rescue and accessibility, buffer areas are created with different road widths using ArcGIS 10.08 software. The composite vulnerability score incorporating RVS, rescue accessibility and emergency response time is finally analyzed and represented in ArcGIS, producing maps for concerned authorities to use in an emergency earthquake hazard. In conclusion, some recommendations and further research scope have been discussed to improve the assessment.