Optimization of Distribution of Humanitarian Aid: Cotopaxi Volcano
Publication: Natural Hazards Review
Volume 23, Issue 2
Abstract
In April 2015, an increase in the seismic activity of the Cotopaxi volcano, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, alarmed local authorities. A potential eruption of the Cotopaxi volcano could affect over 85,000 people. Despite the extensive development of studies on international humanitarian aid, the first steps in this area of Ecuador started recently, following the disasters of recent years, and very little focus has been given to the evaluation of volcanic eruptions. This study aims to consolidate, analyze, and present, in a systematic way, an efficient evacuation plan based on a mathematical model to safeguard the integrity of the population in case of an eruption of the Cotopaxi volcano. This study proposes a multiobjective mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model to minimize the total time and cost required to evacuate people considering the logistics of rescue operations, shelters, and distribution centers’ optimal allocations. The study’s findings include an emergency evacuation plan that reduces evacuation times from 64.4 to to safe locations, a solution that local and international governments can use to enhance contingency plans and improve the distribution of humanitarian aid for events of a similar nature.
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Data Availability Statement
Some or all data, models, or code that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request. These include the following: population distribution of affected zones, distance matrix between distribution centers and shelters; distance matrix between risk zones and shelters; time matrix between risk zones and shelters; optimization code; capacity and costs to open a shelter or distribution center; and transportation costs.
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Published In
Natural Hazards Review
Volume 23 • Issue 2 • May 2022
Copyright
© 2022 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jun 8, 2021
Accepted: Nov 22, 2021
Published online: Jan 20, 2022
Published in print: May 1, 2022
Discussion open until: Jun 20, 2022
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