Implementing GIS and Analytical Hierarchy Process for Cyclone Shelter Mapping of Vijayawada, Andra Pradesh: A Weighted Overlay Approach

Vijayawada, a rapidly expanding urban hub in Andhra Pradesh, has seen significant population growth, rising from 2,104,000 in 2021 to 2,291,000 in 2024. This growth has increased the city's vulnerability to cyclonic events, as evidenced by the severe impacts of recent cyclones like Phethai (2018), Hudhud (2014) and Michaung (2023). These events have caused widespread flooding, power outages and infrastructure damage. To bolster cyclone preparedness, this study utilizes a Geographic Information System (GIS) integrated with the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to determine optimal locations for Cyclone Shelters in Vijayawada. The analysis incorporates nine critical parameters: elevation, slope, roughness, Hillshade, proximity to roads and rivers, land use land cover, aspect and wind characteristics (speed and direction). Each parameter was re-scaled into five suitability classes and weighted accordingly, with distance from roads (15%), proximity to water bodies (14%) and elevation (13%) receiving the highest weights. Additionally, a Windrose diagram was developed using WRPLOT software, analyzing wind speed and direction data collected at 50-meter intervals from January 1, 2022, to July 31, 2024. This wind pattern analysis, with speeds classified into six classes and calms recorded at 1.52%, provided crucial insights for Shelter placement. The site suitability assessment for cyclone shelters in Vijayawada has been conducted, categorizing the land into five classes: not suitable, less suitable, moderately suitable, suitable and highly suitable. The resulting suitability map is a critical resource for disaster management, aiming at bolstering Vijayawada's resilience to future cyclones and safeguarding its rapidly growing population. This study underscores the value of integrating GIS-based Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) techniques with wind pattern analysis to enhance disaster preparedness and optimize shelter placement, ensuring a strategic and effective response to potential cyclone threats.