Review Paper:
Empowering Cyclone
Preparedness: An Integrated GIS-AHP based Site Shelter Suitability Mapping of Visakhapatnam,
Andhra Pradesh
Sudha Rani P., Suresh Kumar R., Ramanjaneyulu B. and Mahesh Babu K.
Disaster Advances; Vol. 18(3); 44-55;
doi: https://doi.org/10.25303/183da044055; (2025)
Abstract
This study presents a comprehensive approach in mapping Cyclone Shelters in Visakhapatnam
using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and weighted overlay techniques. The
research integrates multiple geospatial datasets including road networks, elevation
(ranging from 18 to 1677 meters), slope, aspect, roughness, hillshade, distance
from rivers, distance from the seashore and Land Use Land Cover (LULC). Additionally,
population growth data was incorporated, showing an increase from 105,000 in 1950
to 2,385,000 in 2024, with a forecasted population of 3,041,000 by 2035, reflecting
a growth rate of 2.32%. Windrose analysis categorized wind speeds into six groups,
which are crucial for assessing cyclone impacts.
These nine specific themes were re-scaled into five classes to create a Cyclone
Shelter suitability map, classifying areas as not suitable, less suitable, moderately
suitable, suitable and highly suitable. Covering 550 square kilometers, the study
area is located at 17°69'N latitude and 83°22'E longitude, with an altitude of 900
meters. The resulting Cyclone Shelter map provides a valuable tool for disaster
preparedness and response planning in Visakhapatnam, offering critical insights
into shelter placement and suitability.
