Simultaneous response to multiple disasters: Integrated planning for pandemics and large-scale earthquakes

Area of Science:

• Operations Research
• Public Health
• Disaster Management

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the strain on healthcare systems, exacerbated by the potential for concurrent large-scale disasters.
• Effective disaster response requires preparedness for mass casualties and infectious disease outbreaks simultaneously.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a framework for determining the optimal number and location of temporary healthcare facilities during large-scale disasters.
• To integrate pandemic disease burdens into disaster healthcare planning.

Main Methods:

• Development of a multi-period, mixed-integer mathematical model for locating disaster emergency units and medical facilities.
• Creation of an epidemic compartmental model to simulate disaster impacts on disease spread.
• Formulation of a mixed-integer mathematical model for optimal pandemic hospital and isolation center placement.

Main Results:

• The proposed framework provides a quantitative approach to healthcare facility allocation in complex disaster scenarios.
• Mathematical models were validated through a case study in Istanbul, Turkey, demonstrating practical applicability.

Conclusions:

• Integrated planning is crucial for managing healthcare resources during simultaneous disasters and pandemics.
• The developed models offer valuable tools for enhancing disaster preparedness and response strategies.