Robust vertex p-center model for locating urgent relief distribution centers

► Robust vertex p-center model is proposed for locating urgent relief distribution centers in response to quick-onset disasters. ► Uncertain data are represented by fixed intervals and the objective is to optimize worst-case performances. ► Property of worst-case scenarios is identified and applied in the proposed algorithmic framework for solving the problems. ► The proposed model is applied to a real case and compared to a two-stage stochastic location model.