Managing disaster in the Ionian Sea : planning and optimizing logistics for disaster relief operations for the island of Kefalonia

Abstract

The increasing complexity and magnitude of global emergency relief operations create a critical need for effective and efficient disaster relief logistics. The irregular demand patterns and unusual constraints inherent in large-scale emergencies present unique challenges to logistic systems. Indeed, the logistical needs frequently surpass the capabilities of current emergency response approaches. Our country (Greece) is one of the most seismically active areas in the world. Furthermore, the topography of Greece, with its mountainous terrain and multiple islands, presents challenges in implementing disaster relief operations, especially if one occurs on an island. This project will examine the use of linear programming techniques for optimizing earthquake disaster relief operations in an insular environment. Furthermore, we should note that such problems have direct application to the military environment because assets (personnel, equipment, etc.) of the armed forces are often utilized in disaster relief operations.