Resource management for flood response in Mexico

¹ Aston Business School, Aston University, UK
² Data Science Group, Toegepast-Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek (TNO), the Netherlands

Abstract

Emergency logistics is acquiring a crucial role aiming to provide adequate care and support for people affected by catastrophic situations; dealing with a large number of stakeholders, scarcity of resources and high stakes. Considering the importance of balancing resources from different participants to improve operations, this research introduces a bi-criteria response optimisation model aiming to maximise the service provided to disaster victims while making efficient use of resources. The model provides support for relief distribution, inventory management and resource allocation. But beyond the optimisation of logistical decisions, the model is able to determine which organisations to use at the appropriate timeframe, so as to prevent shortages and convergence. The model is applied to a case study on a flood in Mexico in order to compare its results with real activities performed by authorities and draw conclusions.