Development of an Efficient Framework for the Distribution of Essential Relief Materials during Floods by Clustering Technique

Abstract

An efficient logistic network is extremely vital to distribute essential items quickly to the region wherever the natural calamities have occurred. This paper focuses on developing an efficient framework for the distribution of essential relief materials to the people in Kuttanad Taluk of Alappuzha District in Kerala, India during the monsoon season. The existing relief distribution network in the flood-affected region has been studied in detail and an improved distribution logistics has been suggested in this study. K-means clustering algorithm has been used to identify the location for the relief material distribution centres in the flood-affected region. The proposed approach reduces the efforts needed to coordinate the relief activities by optimally identifying no. of distribution centres and locations of distribution centres with an objective of reducing the total supply chain transportation distance for the supply of essential items during the flood. The proposed clustering approach reduces the traveling distance of the people during the flood to receive the relief material to an extent of 88%.