Using multi-criteria decision-making methods in prioritizing structural flood control solutions: A case study from Iran

Effective management of flood risks requires the prioritization of appropriate flood control solutions. This study aims to prioritize structural flood control options using multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods. Four MCDM methods, namely analytic hierarchy process, technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution, multi-criteria optimization and compromise solution, and Fuzzy-VIKOR are employed to assess and rank the flood control options based on multiple criteria. Field surveys, interviews with local authorities and experts, and on-site assessments of existing flood control structures constituted the primary data collection methods. The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of reservoir dams, retention basins, and levees as viable solutions. Conversely, flood control gates and the no-project options were assigned lower priorities. The findings highlight the importance of considering multiple MCDM methods to account for variations in rankings. The study provides valuable insights into the decision-making process for prioritizing flood control options in the study area. These findings can assist policymakers and stakeholders in effectively allocating resources and implementing appropriate structural flood control measures to mitigate flood risks.