Sustainable neighbourhood earthquake emergency planning in megacities

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to identify and discuss the main prerequisites which are deemed for successful disaster mitigation activities in megacities by considering various aspects related to disaster risk reduction.Design methodology approach - The paper provides a general background with regard to the social and cultural patterns for involving local people to participate in the activities related to awareness raising before, and saving their lives and properties after the earthquakes. It then defines what is required for preparing disaster scenarios.Findings - Prerequisites of comprehensive response plans, to be used in the aftermath of earthquakes in large cities, are discussed.Research limitations implications - There is a lack of complete information, with regard to various social, and cultural aspects of disaster mitigation, in developing countries, such as Iran.Practical implications - By following the steps mentioned and discussed in the paper for disaster mitigation planning and applying the proposed measures, the neighbourhoods in megacities can define and manage the activities better - which is crucial for saving lives in the aftermath of large earthquakes.Originality value - The paper details the requirements that are necessary for successful disaster mitigation activities in large cities and the difficulties and challenges which can be faced in encountering them.