NAB: A decision support system for disaster management, Golestan province experience

Background and Aim: Iran is a disaster-prone country and exposed to a large number of natural hazards. Decision support systems can help reduce damage and disaster-related costs. Golestan province, as one of the high-risk provinces in terms of natural hazards, set a registering system for recording the hazards since the year 1395 titled NAB system (health information software). The purpose of this study is to assess the capabilities and performance of NAB system.Methodology: In order to manage disasters and disaster-related events, a section entitled Disasters was included in the structure of the system that allowed the registration, management, and reporting of disasters. Disasters occurrence registration in the NAB system is carried out in a location-based manner. Disaster Records are registered on the system based on standard instructions and standard forms by health staff at different levels.Result: During the period from December 1395 to September 1397, the number of hazards recorded in the NAB system is 310, of which 36% are related to flood types, 20% earthquakes, 12.3% severe atmospheric conditions, and 32% other disasters. Due to the location-based nature of the program, and the recording of the situation, disaster registration problems have been identified and the possibility of managing events has been provided.Conclusion: Using decision support systems helps to manage disasters and disaster-related disadvantages. Given the multidimensional nature of disaster management, the design process of such systems requires the use of various sciences. The completion of the crisis-related sector in this system will enable it to become a strong system for managing the crisis in the country.