Fuzzy-based gaps assessment of flood disaster risk reduction management systems in Metro Manila, Philippines

Planning and prioritization in flood disaster risk reduction (FDRR) is critical and often tedious to both planners and decision-makers. In Metro Manila, Philippines, flooding is a perennial problem that requires regular assessments and updating of its municipal-based FDRR management systems. A simple, but practical approach may prove useful in the identification of priority schemes, especially when the need for improvement is urgent and resources are limited. This study provides a simple quantitative approach to gaps assessment for FDRR management systems using a fuzzy multiattribute decision-making technique. This is demonstrated by utilizing the stakeholders' perceptions and field information obtained during the aftermath of the tropical storm Ketsana in 2009. Study results show that the gaps can be quantified and ranked to establish the priority schemes for the improvement of the FDRR management systems in Metro Manila, focusing mainly on the following FDRR management systems: prevention, preparedness, response and disaster recovery.