Planning the use of helicopters in distribution of supplies in response operations of natural disasters

• Published in: Transportation research procedia (Online) 2020, Vol.47, p.633-640
• Main Authors: Xavier, Iran R., Bandeira, Renata A.M., Bandeira, Adriano P.F., Campos, Vania B.G., Silva, Leandro O.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Disaster; Helicopters; Transportation Planning
• ISSN: 2352-1465; 2352-1465
• DOI: 10.1016/j.trpro.2020.03.141

In the immediate aftermath of a natural disaster, physical infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, are often destroyed and transport capacity is extremely limited or non-existent. As a result, access to affected areas becomes very difficult or even remote. In this scenario, helicopters are the most appropriate vehicles to reach the victims. However, the planning of air transport operations in the context of a disaster response has a high degree of complexity, and thus operational research has significant application and potential contribution to the area. In this context, this paper proposes a procedure that aims to optimize the use of helicopters in response operations to small and medium-scale natural disasters. The proposed procedure seeks to minimize the total time of operation and mobilization of air resources during last mile deliveries in relief operations. This procedure was applied on a real post-disaster scenario, taking as basis the characteristics of the response operation to the floods, occurred in 2011, in the mountain region of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Results indicate the developed methodology as a feasible tool to aid in the decision-making process regarding the use of helicopters for last mile deliveries in the humanitarian supply chain.