Introduction

Urban resilience refers to a city’s capacity to anticipate, absorb, and recover from natural hazards while maintaining essential functions and structures. In recent years, the growing frequency of earthquakes, landslides, and floods has underscored the importance of building resilient cities. Urban areas characterized by robust infrastructure, effective governance, stable economic frameworks, and active civic engagement are better equipped to minimize disaster-related losses and expedite recovery processes. However, resilience challenges vary across different regions. In some cities, institutional fragmentation, economic vulnerability, ineffective urban planning, and inadequate infrastructure diminish resilience capacity. This study aims to assess the urban resilience of Langarud, a city in northern Iran, through five key dimensions: social, economic, infrastructural, institutional, and urban planning and governance.

Methodology

A descriptive-analytical approach was adopted in this research. Data were collected through standardized questionnaires, statistical tests, and structural equation modeling (SEM). T-tests and Friedman tests, conducted using SPSS, facilitated the identification of statistically significant differences among various dimensions of resilience and helped prioritize key influencing factors. SEM, implemented via SmartPLS, was used to examine the causal relationships between independent and dependent variables and to determine the relative impact of each dimension on overall resilience. Spatial analysis also played a central role in this study. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) were employed to identify high-risk zones, evaluate terrain slopes, and analyze the city’s Digital Elevation Model (DEM), providing critical insight into the physical vulnerabilities of Langarud.

Results and Discussion



Findings indicate that the infrastructural and institutional dimensions exhibit higher levels of resilience compared to the social and economic domains, which face more pronounced challenges. The role of infrastructure is particularly prominent; areas equipped with durable structures and efficient transportation networks demonstrate stronger performance during and after disasters. GIS-based spatial analysis revealed that several districts in Langarud are prone to flooding and landslides, primarily due to steep slopes and insufficient water drainage systems. These conditions highlight the urgent need for comprehensive urban fortification strategies. Strengthening vital infrastructure—such as roads, bridges, and utility networks—is essential to ensure operational continuity during emergencies. Institutional resilience also emerged as a critical factor. While current policies have made positive contributions, challenges persist in inter-agency coordination and integrated crisis management. Enhancing institutional synergy, improving organizational preparedness, and developing comprehensive disaster response plans are essential next steps. In parallel, enacting clear legal frameworks and implementing operational protocols can foster more effective urban governance during crises. From an economic standpoint, Langarud demonstrates moderate local economic stability. However, critical economic indicators—including investment flows, support for small enterprises, and the creation of sustainable employment—require considerable improvement. Financially stronger cities are better positioned to allocate resources for disaster preparedness, infrastructure reinforcement, and emergency relief, thereby reinforcing their resilience.The social dimension presents one of the most pressing concerns. Levels of public awareness, preparedness, and participation in crisis management remain insufficient. Enhancing public education, strengthening social networks, and promoting community-based disaster risk reduction initiatives can significantly bolster social resilience. Strategies such as public training programs, the formation of volunteer response groups, and inclusive planning processes are essential to foster a culture of shared responsibility in disaster resilience.

Conclusion

This study underscores the necessity of a multidimensional approach to enhancing urban resilience in Langarud. Priority should be given to strengthening critical infrastructure, improving institutional policies, fostering sustainable economic development, and expanding community engagement. Urban planning must be guided by spatial risk analyses to proactively identify and reinforce vulnerable areas. In addition, economic strategies should aim to increase the city’s fiscal capacity, while institutional reforms must focus on integrated governance and coordinated crisis response. Public education and civic participation are equally critical for fostering a resilient urban society. Collectively, these measures can transform Langarud into a more resilient, adaptive, and secure urban environment. Without targeted investments in planning, infrastructure, and governance, the city’s ability to withstand future crises will remain compromised. Therefore, a strategic shift toward proactive risk management and preparedness is imperative for ensuring long-term urban resilience.

Urban resilience refers to the capacity of cities to withstand natural hazards and reduce their vulnerability. Assessing urban resilience not only contributes to improved quality of urban life but also plays a crucial role in sustainable development and effective crisis management. The rising frequency of earthquakes, landslides, and floods in high-risk regions has made resilience assessment more essential than ever. Factors such as institutional disintegration, economic fragility, lack of effective urban planning, and infrastructural deficiencies significantly influence a city's resilience level. This study aims to evaluate the resilience of Langarud City across five dimensions: social, economic, infrastructural, institutional, and urban planning and management, with the goal of offering practical recommendations for urban improvement. Employing a descriptive-analytical approach, the research utilized questionnaires, statistical tests (T-test and Friedman test) in SPSS, and structural equation modeling (SEM) in SmartPLS to assess resilience conditions. Spatial analysis with GIS was also conducted to identify high-risk areas and evaluate land slope and digital elevation (DEM) data of Langarud. The findings indicate that the infrastructural and institutional dimensions exhibit relatively higher stability, while the social and economic dimensions demonstrate notable weaknesses. Although the local economy shows moderate resilience, several economic indicators require strengthening. The study highlights the importance of reinforcing critical infrastructure, enhancing social cohesion, advancing crisis management strategies, and formulating sustainable economic policies to effectively improve Langarud’s resilience to natural hazards.