Citation

Ali AI, Ince G. J. Oper. Res. Soc. 2017; 68(5): 533-543.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1057/s41274-016-0015-4

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Central to humanitarian logistics is the minimization of distress among impacted populations in the aftermath of a disaster. In this paper, we characterize two levels of distress, termed criticality and destitution, with respect to the delay provision of relief items. Delay in provision of a relief item will lead to destitution for a tolerable number of days, beyond which it will lead to criticality. We develop a mixed-integer goal program that quantifies these two metrics with respect to the number of days without provision of each of a set of relief items. The model determines the allocation of resources and the distribution of available relief items in a manner that minimizes criticality and destitution in affected population segments. The use of the model is demonstrated for the aftermath of a catastrophic earthquake in Istanbul, expected to occur by 2030.

Language: en

Keywords

distribution; humanitarian logistics; integer program; planning