Optimizing the response for Arctic mass rescue events

Abstract

We propose and study a model that optimizes the response to a mass rescue event in Arctic Alaska. The model contains dynamic logistics decisions for a large-scale maritime evacuation with the objectives of minimizing the impact of the event on the evacuees and the average evacuation time. Our proposed optimization model considers two interacting networks - the network that moves evacuees from the location of the event out of the Arctic (e.g., a large city in Alaska such as Anchorage) and the logistics network that moves relief materials to evacuees during the operations. We model the concept of deprivation costs by incorporating priority levels capturing the severeness of evacuees’ current medical situation and the period indicating the amount of time an evacuee has not received key relief resources. Our model is capable of understanding the best possible response given the current locations of response resources and is used to assess the effectiveness of an intuitive heuristic that mimics emergency response decision-making.