Tropical cyclone preparedness and response : opportunities for operations research

Abstract

This thesis explores how operations research methods can be applied in the emergency response community by looking at two recent tropical storm disasters; tropical cyclone Yemyin in Pakistan, June 2007 and super typhoon Durian in the Philippines, Nov 2006. The case studies are used to highlight three common problem areas; determining the scope of the disaster, agency coordination, and relief logistics. The thesis identifies some operational models and applicable research and suggests that these ideas should be formulated as emergency management decision making tools particularly for use in the developing world.