EURO 2024 Copenhagen
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2377. Vulnerability Based Prioritization in Disaster Response Efforts

Invited abstract in session TC-21: Efficiency, equity and fairness in humanitarian operations, stream OR in Humanitarian Operations (HOpe).

Tuesday, 12:30-14:00
Room: 49 (building: 116)

Authors (first author is the speaker)

1. Halenur Sahin
Industrial Engineering Dept., TOBB ETU
2. Feyza Sahinyazan
Technology & Operations Management, Simon Fraser University
3. Irfan Mahmutogullari
Dept. of Computer Science, KU Leuven

Abstract

Humanitarian logistics literature commonly uses Equity, Efficiency and Effectiveness (3E) objectives. The equity objective aims to minimize differences in individual treatments by assuming equal impact for everyone in a disaster. Efficiency measures aim to reduce the costs of aid programs, while effectiveness focuses on the quality of humanitarian aid, measured by factors such as response time, reduced risk, or human suffering. 3E objectives presume beneficiary homogeneity, yet it is crucial to recognize that disasters disproportionately impact socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals. Vulnerable groups—low-income, elderly, disabled, or marginalized—face distinct challenges and heightened risks in disasters. Any measure assuming homogeneous demand neglects the intersectionality of vulnerable communities. This study presents an alternative approach to prioritizing vulnerable populations in disaster response, striving for a more inclusive and compassionate disaster management strategy. To assess the performance of this approach against traditional 3E measures, we analyze the emergency assembly point allocation problem using Istanbul's neighborhood-level vulnerability and population characteristics in our computational study. Our results show that the vulnerability-based prioritization approach can single-handedly achieve more inclusive results for vulnerable populations without significantly deteriorating 3E objectives and non-vulnerable population outcomes.

Keywords

Status: accepted

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