Real-time relief distribution in the aftermath of disasters – A rolling horizon approach

•Address real-time relief distribution in the aftermath of disasters.•Propose a rolling horizon-based prediction and optimization framework.•Determine optimal relief distributions considering uncertain demands.•Incorporate a state estimation and prediction module to predict relief demands.•Present a numerical example to demonstrate the proposed system.

This paper presents a rolling horizon-based framework for real-time relief distribution in the aftermath of disasters. This framework consists of two modules. One is a state estimation and prediction module, which predicts relief demands and delivery times. The other is a relief distribution module, which solves for optimal relief distribution flows. The goal is to minimize the total time to deliver relief goods to satisfy the demand, considering uncertain data and of the risk-averse attitude of the decision-maker. A numerical example based on the large-scale earthquake that occurred on September 21, 1999 in Taiwan is presented to demonstrate the system.