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Framework for humanitarian logistics and relief distribution efforts of non-established relief groups in the aftermath of a catastrophic event: Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico

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Abstract
After massive disasters and catastrophes, the infrastructure and communication systems of a community can be severely affected to the point that their function could be nonexistent. Furthermore, the affected areas are supplied with significant amounts of donations, which need to be optimally inventoried, stored, and distributed to benefit the community while minimizing logistics costs. In these events, it is vital to have disaster response plans in place as well as readily available trained personnel who are able to reach and support the affected areas with critical supplies in time to prevent the loss of lives and properties. In September of 2017, Puerto Rico was devastated by Hurricane Maria, a category five hurricane. Non-Established Relief Groups (NERGs) formed immediately after the disaster to contribute to reduce the distress in the considerably affected population. This research presents a conceptual framework with the key factors to improve the operation of NERGs when participating in the relief efforts after a catastrophic event. The proposed framework considers the required steps for an efficient relief effort, and it is intended to support a well-organized emergency response process by NERGs. Also, simulation tools were implemented to assess the operations performed by these groups for the management of supplies. Various layouts for the space usage distribution and factors that affect the material convergence phenomenon were evaluated. Recommendations are provided for NERGs in order to improve the efficiency of their activities and increase the benefits offered to the affected communities.
DespuĂ©s de desastres y catĂ¡strofes masivas, la infraestructura y los sistemas de comunicaciĂ³n de una comunidad pueden verse gravemente afectados hasta el punto de que su funciĂ³n podrĂ­a no existir. AdemĂ¡s, las Ă¡reas afectadas reciben cantidades significativas de donaciones, que deben ser inventariadas, almacenadas y distribuidas de manera Ă³ptima para beneficiar a la comunidad y minimizar los costos de logĂ­stica. En estos eventos, es vital contar con planes de respuesta ante desastres, asĂ­ como tambiĂ©n personal capacitado disponible que pueda alcanzar y apoyar las Ă¡reas afectadas con suministros crĂ­ticos a tiempo para evitar la pĂ©rdida de vidas y propiedades. En septiembre de 2017, Puerto Rico fue devastado por el huracĂ¡n MarĂ­a, un huracĂ¡n categorĂ­a cinco. Los Grupos de Socorro No Establecidos (NERGs, por sus siglas en inglĂ©s) se formaron inmediatamente despuĂ©s del desastre para contribuir a la reducciĂ³n del peligro en la poblaciĂ³n considerablemente afectada. Esta investigaciĂ³n presenta un marco conceptual con los factores claves para mejorar el funcionamiento de los NERGs al participar en los esfuerzos de ayuda despuĂ©s de un evento catastrĂ³fico. El marco propuesto considera los pasos necesarios para un esfuerzo de ayuda eficiente, y estĂ¡ destinado a apoyar un proceso bien organizado de respuesta a emergencias por parte de los NERGs. AdemĂ¡s, se implementaron herramientas de simulaciĂ³n para evaluar las operaciones realizadas por estos grupos para la gestiĂ³n de suministros. Se evaluaron los diseños para la distribuciĂ³n del uso del espacio y los factores que afectan el fenĂ³meno de convergencia de materiales. Finalmente, se proporcionaron recomendaciones para los NERGs con el fin de mejorar la eficiencia de sus actividades e incrementar los beneficios ofrecidos a las comunidades afectadas.
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Date
2019-12-12
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Research Projects
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Keywords
Humanitarian Logistics, Relief Efforts, Simulation, Supply Management, First responders -- Puerto Rico
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