Multidimensional evaluation of seismic emergency capabilities in Chinese cities: the case of Changchun

In the context of rapid urbanization, the proliferation of high-density residential zones and intricate infrastructure networks markedly amplifies a city’s susceptibility to natural calamities, notably seismic events. Thus, a precise evaluation of a city’s emergency capability for seismic events is imperative. This research proposes a novel and all-encompassing evaluation framework for indicators, grounded in crisis management theory, covering the entire spectrum of disaster mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. The framework comprises four primary dimensions and 15 auxiliary indicators, synergistically integrating quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Employing the coefficient of Coefficient of Variation Method and the Delphi Method, the study assigns weights to the indicators, while the 2-tuple fuzzy linguistic approach adeptly manages uncertain information. Utilizing Changchun City as an exemplar, the constructed and analyzed model highlights the city’s strengths in emergency supply reserves and the formulation of emergency plans. However, the findings indicate a pressing need for enhancements in seismic preparedness, monitoring and early warning systems, urban economic resilience, and public education initiatives. This study not only furnishes a robust framework for evaluating disaster emergency capabilities specific to Changchun City but also imparts valuable insights applicable to seismic disaster management in other urban contexts. It substantially contributes to the theoretical and practical discourse on augmenting urban resilience in the face of natural disasters.