Title: A decision support system for debris-flow hazard mitigation in towns based on numerical simulation: a case study at Dongchuan, Yunnan Province

Authors: Fangqiang Wei, Kaiheng Hu, Peng Cui, Qun Guan

Addresses: Key Laboratory of Mountain Hazards and Surface Process, Chinese Academy of Sciences Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China. ' Key Laboratory of Mountain Hazards and Surface Process, Chinese Academy of Sciences Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China. ' Key Laboratory of Mountain Hazards and Surface Process, Chinese Academy of Sciences Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China. ' Computer School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China

Abstract: The hazard mitigation decision support system is an efficient method to avoid severe human damage by debris flow. Using modern technology, the multi-functional synthetical mitigation decision support system integrates debris flow monitoring, information transmission, disaster forecast and alarm, disaster estimate, evacuation and rescue plan to provide support for making mitigation strategic decision in all aspects before and after the disaster. The system was successfully utilised in debris flow hazard mitigation in the Dongchuan suburb in Yunnan Province. According to the data of monitoring and predicting, the system can simulate the movement of debris flow, and define the range and hazard zone of debris flow disaster. The result can be used to conduct disaster estimation, and prepare evacuation and rescue plan, which increases the degree of disaster mitigation.

Keywords: debris flow; numerical simulation; mountain towns; disaster mitigation; debris flow monitoring; disaster forecasting; disaster alarm; disaster estimate; evacuation plans; rescue plans; Dongchuan; China; hazard mitigation DSS: decision support systems; information transmission; emergency management.

DOI: 10.1504/IJRAM.2008.019014

International Journal of Risk Assessment and Management, 2008 Vol.8 No.4, pp.373 - 383

Published online: 27 Jun 2008 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article