Evaluating the Search and Rescue Strategies of Post Disaster

Abstract

Introduction. Resource allocation is a challenging topic in the search and rescue (SAR) in post-disaster process, especially in situations with sparse infrastructure and dynamic demanding requirement. Previous studies have well demonstrated the need to improve the SAR decision-making process in these situations. However, a challenge that current models are facing is how to select target areas considering the random distribution of survivors with little information or coordination.

Method. This paper makes a first attempt to compare the different models in SAR process, where SAR teams are supposed to operate independently or are dispatched by a central system. The paper uses the dynamic network models, which can avoid the shortcoming of normal random search, for SAR strategy analyses.

Results. The numerical example shows that when information is uncertain, central dispatch easily leads to low efficiency in SAR management. Besides, quantity priority is proved to be more efficient than normal random search, especially when the distribution of survivors is not even.

Conclusion. The findings of this paper provide important information for selecting effective analytical models in SAR management to save survivors.