The location-distribution problem in the megadisaster of the Mountain Region in Rio de Janeiro

Abstract

The recent natural disasters in Brazil and worldwide have highlighted the difficulties of the institutions in managing efficiently all the operations necessary to mitigate the vulnerability of the affected communities. Such difficulties are also a reflection of the lack of studies regarding preparedness and response in disaster operations planning. In this context, this paper investigates a location-distribution optimization model within the two-stage stochastic program paradigm for improving disaster operations planning. The first-stage preparedness decisions are related to the locations of the relief centers, whereas the second-stage response phase determines the distribution of the survival items from the depots to the relief centers. The proposed model was analyzed based on the megadisaster in the Mountain Region of Rio de Janeiro in January 2011.