A robust possibilistic programming multi-objective model for locating transfer points and shelters in disaster relief

In this paper, the most critical relief services are considered, including the transportation of injured people to hospitals, the transportation of evacuees from affected areas to shelters, and the supply of required relief commodities to these evacuees. To provide these services effectively, a multi-objective mathematical programming model for locating transfer points and shelters is proposed. The model considers the demand for evacuation as an uncertain parameter. To deal with the uncertainty, a robust possibilistic programming method is utilized. In this model, equity in relief provided for various affected areas is achieved by defining objective functions that minimize the maximum time for the transportation of evacuees to shelters, the transportation of injured people to hospitals, and the distribution of relief commodities. Thereafter, a case study of the application of the model to District 4 of Tehran municipality is presented with relevant results and different sensitivity analyses.