Fuzzy analytical network techniques for selecting suitable temporary refuge sites in Paez, Colombia

Abstract

Colombia exhibits a considerable incidence rate of natural disasters because of its location within the intertropical zone, which exposes it to various meteorological and geological phenomena, including the Nevado del Huila volcano. The identification of suitable areas for the installation of temporary shelters is critical for managing these disasters. However, the task of identifying such locations is a complex problem that involves multiple criteria. This study uses a fuzzy systems approach to identify suitable sites for establishing temporary shelters in the Paez municipality during natural disasters, considering the essential criteria determined by experts through pairwise comparisons. The study results indicate that responsiveness is the most significant criterion, followed by area profile. Using these criteria, it identified a specific locality in the Paez municipality as suitable for establishing temporary shelters during natural disasters caused by volcanic phenomena. The findings were compared with those obtained from existing scientific literature and validated by experts in natural disasters. The methodological process described in this study provides a valuable tool for public entities to make informed decisions concerning natural disasters in indigenous territories caused by volcanic phenomena.