The Search and Rescue Operation in Collapsed Buildings Caused by Earthquakes - A Case Study

This paper uses the experience from the search and rescue operation at the Dong- Xing Building, which collapsed in the Ji-Ji Earthquake, as a real example to study the risk factors that contributed to the deaths of the residents of the collapsed building. This paper also examines a possible strategic plan to rescue survivors from collapsed buildings, which combines various sources of information such as water mains, fire-fighting equipment, shelter locations, medical facilities, household registry information, lifelines, logistic supports, and the disaster management technology.