An agent-based modeling approach to improve coordination between humanitarian relief providers

Logistical coordination between humanitarian organizations is crucial during the response effort to a disaster, as coordinating aid improves efficiency, reduces duplication of effort, and ultimately leads to better outcomes for beneficiaries. One challenge in particular is making facility location decisions, where makeshift homes, medical tents, or other aid-related facilities need to be placed in a way that provides fair service to all in need. This research aims to improve upon the current practices of facility placement coordination by drawing on data from the 2015 earthquake in Nepal. We develop an agent-based simulation model with data from this event, and extend our findings to provide new insights about humanitarian decision making and coordination in regard to the facility location problem.