Post-Disaster Temporary Shelters Distribution after a Large-Scale Disaster: An Integrated Model

Abstract

This paper develops an integrated model for the distribution of post-disaster temporary shelters after a large-scale disaster. The proposed model clusters impacted areas using an Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) method and then prioritizes the points of clusters by affecting factors on the route reliability using a permanent matrix. The model’s objectives are to minimize the maximum service time, maximize the route reliability and minimize the unmet demand. In the case of ground relief, the possibility of a breakdown in the vehicle is considered. Due to the disaster’s uncertain nature, the demands of impacted areas are considered in the form of fuzzy numbers, and then the equivalent crisp counterpart of the non-deterministic is made by Jimenez’s method. Since the developed model is multi-objective, the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA-II) and Multi-Objective Firefly Algorithm (MOFA) are applied to find efficient solutions. The results confirm higher accuracy and lower computational time of the proposed MOFA. The findings of this study can contribute to the growing body of knowledge about disaster management strategies and have implications for critical decision-makers involved in post-disaster response projects. Furthermore, this study provides valuable information for national decision-makers in countries with limited experience with disasters and where the destructive consequences of disasters on the built environment are increasing.