Case Report: Geographic Information System for Timely Search and Rescue Operation: A Case Study in Rigan Earthquake

Short golden time is important to save the injured in earthquake and to start search and rescue (SAR) operation as soon as possible in affected regions. This study evaluated application of geographic information system (GIS) for SAR operation in Rigan Town, Kerman Province, which was hit by an earthquake of 6.3 Richter scale on December 12, 2010 at 22:12.
A GIS-based decision-making system with 99 information layers was used to manage the perations in this earthquake. Decisions were made by using available information layers and a proportional scenario. The scenario was designed based on depth and intensity of the earthquake. All residential areas within the radius of 20 km from the epicenter were defined in emergency operation center (EOC) to be considered by SAR teams. Accordingly, SAR teams were called and dispatched to the affected area quickly. They were guiding using radio navigation.
The subsequent assessment on 25, 30, and 40 km buffers showed that there was no need to increase the field of search and rescue. Field managers were supported with provided information about affected people and villages, structural context of buildings, distribution of operational equipments, manpower, resources, and access roads. All of this updated information was provided by designed GIS.
Although the earthquake happened at 22:12 in a rural region with scattered population and 250 km far from decision-making center, the search and rescue operation was completed in the shortest possible time at 2:30 morning, next day.