RAPID RESPONSE CENTERS FOR DISASTERS IN MEXICO: A THEORETICAL STUDY

Abstract

After a disaster, reaction speed becomes one of the most important elements. To act in the best possible way, Disaster Operations Management must have the most accurate information on the affected area. To aid in these moments, a network of centers for Rapid Response is proposed here. Those centers would be equipped with short takeoff and landing aircraft, and would send them as soon as possible to the affected area, to gather information, and bring some type of aid. This research focuses on the theoretical foundation for such centers, including objectives, locations, missions, and equipment. This foundation is obtained through a literature review, which helps find the need for rapid response, and the main objectives and missions to be carried out. The number of centers and their locations are found by the use of a facility location model, considering the risk of each location. Finally, the number and type of aircraft needed in each center, as well as the missions for each one are found by the use of an assignment model. This research was made with the southeastern region of Mexico as its objective, but the resulting network of Rapid Response Centers could be setup in some other areas of the world.