Debris management framework for post-disaster response

In the aftermath of disasters, efficient debris management is critical to restoring community functions and ensuring public safety. This research develops a comprehensive framework combining the Debris Vulnerability Index (DVI) and the Debris Removal Routing Optimization (DeRRO) model to enhance post-disaster response. The DVI, based on a multi-dimensional approach integrating physical, infrastructural, and environmental factors, enables prioritization of debris sites using GIS-based heatmaps. By visualizing vulnerability through heatmapping, decision-makers can quickly identify high-priority zones, thereby directing resources to areas that pose the greatest risk to community recovery and resilience. This prioritization is expected to reduce secondary damage, optimize resource allocation, and expedite the overall recovery process. The DeRRO model employs a nontraditional Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) approach to optimize debris removal routes. This model classifies debris types, estimates the required number of trucks, and dynamically adjusts routes in real-time based on evolving conditions in the disaster field. By incorporating real-time GIS feedback, the DeRRO framework minimizes travel distances and response times, improving operational efficiency by approximately 25% compared to traditional methods. This efficiency gain translates to reduced operational costs and faster community restoration, as well as a more adaptive approach to routing that can scale to various disaster scenarios. Through validation and case studies, this research demonstrates the practical applications of the DVI and DeRRO models in diverse disaster settings. The case studies highlight the models’ adaptability and robustness, offering a replicable, data-driven framework that can be applied across multiple disaster types and locations. The combined outcomes of these models not only enhance immediate disaster response efforts but also contribute to the long-term resilience of communities by establishing systematic procedures for prioritization and route optimization. This framework ultimately provides a valuable tool for policymakers and disaster management professionals, aiming to reduce recovery time, improve resource use, and create a foundation for more resilient disaster response strategies. By advancing data-driven decision-making, this research seeks to improve the safety and recovery of affected communities, setting a new standard in post-disaster debris management