An Integrated Disaster Relief Supply Chain Network Model with Time Targets and Demand Uncertainty

Abstract

As the number of natural disasters and their impacts increase across the globe, the need for effective preparedness against such events becomes more vital. In this paper, we construct a supply chain network optimization model for a disaster relief organization in charge of obtaining, storing, transporting, and distributing relief goods to certain disasterprone regions. Our system-optimization approach minimizes the total operational costs on the links of the supply chain network subject to the uncertain demand for aid at the demand points being satisfied as closely as possible. A goal programming approach is utilized to enforce the timely delivery of relief items with respect to the pre-specified time targets at the demand points. A solution algorithm for the model is also provided. A spectrum of numerical examples illustrates the modeling and computational framework, which integrates the two policies of pre-positioning relief supplies as well as their procurement once the disaster has occurred.