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The underlying problems are supply chain issues like availability of relief supplies on time, visibility of the supplies, chaotic distribution, non-availability of demand data, streamlining flow of supplies and sharing of critical information among the various players in this chain.

In this paper we are proposing a model for designing and setting up a Disaster Management Supply Chain Backbone that will cover key aspects of disaster relief like - sourcing, storing, mobilizing and distributing relief supplies, relief response time, systems for managing information flows and transportation logistics. This model is based on the concept of using distributed capacity and inventory of a network of producers to source relief supplies. When a disaster occurs, the supplies are mobilized from these distributed locations to a centralized warehouse near the disaster affected region where the supplies are consolidated, sorted and then distributed to field camps located in the disaster affected areas. The model also proposes a centralized coordination system which will orchestrate the entire operation with the aid of an information system.

In conclusion, this model would not only help in effectively managing disasters after they have occurred, but also in planning and executing proactive disaster relief operations, which would immensely reduce the loss of life and property associated with natural disasters.

Introduction

"Nature knows no pause in progress and development,
and attaches her curse on all inaction."

- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Emotions were evoked when NDTV showed the destruction caused by the Tsunami or when we read stories of families torn during Katrina. Though most natural calamities are beyond human control, we still need to ask the question: "Are we doing all we can to prevent the loss of human lives and property? Are we feeling the curse of nature due to some of our inactions?"

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* Contributed by: -
Varun Gupta & Naresh Mahadevan,
Indian School of Business, Hyderabad.