Analysis of relief supplies distribution operations via simulation

Abstract

In this study, we develop a simulation model to analyze the simultaneous usage of both local and global resources in relief supplies distribution operations. In order to generate the scenarios of the simulation model, we use the significant earthquakes archive of the United States Geological Survey. We estimate earthquake intensity using the magnitude, depth and distance to the epicenter of an earthquake via an artificial neural network. In relation to estimated earthquake intensity, we determine the affected population rate and the disaster level. In addition to these two parameters, the number of pre-positioned Temporary-Disaster-Response facilities is presented as another scenario parameter. Our simulation model includes two main components as global and local, where we model the arrivals of the resources of central humanitarian organizations and local relief supplies distribution operations in the global and local components, respectively. Using the simulation model, inventory levels of Temporary-Disaster-Response facilities are controlled simultaneously with the relief supplies distribution operations of central humanitarian organizations. Proposed simulation model is run with the scenarios generated and the results are analyzed in terms of some performance measures.