Research on the Model and Algorithm for Multimodal Distribution of Emergency Supplies after Earthquake in the Perspective of Fairness

Abstract

After the earthquake, it is important to ensure the emergency supplies are provided in time. However, not only the timeliness, but also the fairness from different perspectives should be considered. Therefore, we use a multilevel location-routing problem (LPR) to study the fairness of distribution for emergency supplies after earthquake. By comprehensively considering the time window constraints, the partial road damage and dynamic recovery in emergency logistics network, the stochastic driving time of the vehicle, and the mixed load of a variety of emergency materials, we have developed a multiobjective model for the LRP in postearthquake multimodal and fair delivery of multivariety emergency supplies with a limited period. The goal of this model is to minimize the total time in delivering emergency supplies and to minimize the maximum waiting time for emergency supplies to reach demand points. A hybrid heuristic algorithm is designed to solve the model. The example shows that this algorithm has a high efficiency and can effectively realize the supply of emergency supplies after the earthquake within the specified period. This method might be particularly suitable for the emergency rescue scenarios where the victims of the earthquake are vulnerable to mood swings and the emergency supplies need to be fairly distributed.