A humanitarian logistics-based planning for rescue and relief operation after a devastating fire accident

Abstract

The frequency of fire disasters is fortunately low, but planning the logistics and related routings for rescue, relief, and rehabilitations operations are major issues in launching any humanitarian assistance. In addition to the logistics planning issues, the reasons for the occurrence of the fire disasters should also be determined so that measures may be put in place to prevent future disasters as well as any potential consequences that may occur after the fire is extinguished. Most cities have efficient fire departments quipped with resources and fire brigades to initiate immediate measures to control the fire and to start the rescue operation. Moreover, most governments take steps to provide relief and rehabilitation assistance to the affected population. Rescue, relief, and rehabilitation steps in traffic-congested cities, especially in heavily populated areas with many businesses and markets, are highly challenging. This research proposes a mathematical modeling-based approach for planning the transportation of relief and rescue resources; conducting relief and rescue operations; and outlining measures to prevent future recurrences. The model will be illustrated using the chemical explosion-fed fire which occurred on February 20, 2019 in the old part of Dhaka in Bangladesh.