Relief Distribution Networks

Logistics area is often recognized as one of the key elements in achieving effective disaster preparedness and response efforts. This chapter presents modeling and solution approaches for both the problem of prepositioning emergency supplies prior to a disaster as well as the problem of their distribution after the disaster onset. Depending on whether uncertainty is taken into account or not, work in these areas will be classified into two major categories: stochastic or deterministic. A distinction will also be made between exact methods and heuristics. In addition, the advantages and limitations of each of these two classes of approaches will be discussed. Am emphasis will be put on the particularities and characteristics of relief distribution networks. More advanced issues in the design and operations of these networks will also be discussed as interesting research avenues.