Supply Chain Framework for Managing Natural Disasters : Batticaloa District

Unexpected natural disasters cause incalculable loss of property and lives worldwide every year. Sri Lanka has been traditionally vulnerable to natural disasters on account of its unique geo-climatic conditions. Floods, tsunamis, tropical storms, landslides, drought, and earthquakes have been recurrent phenomena. At least 75,000 people were affected by disasters every year in Batticaloa. The scenes of nightmarish evacuation congestion and insufficient supplies for gas and water are still fresh in public consciousness. This study investigates supply chain management (SCM) related issues in disaster management such as evacuation (transportation routing), information management, supply and disaster relief issues. The purpose of this study is to help with disaster management by applying SCM knowledge and technology in business world to improve evacuation efficiency, quick response to emergent demand etc. Several suggestions concerning the strategies to prepare and response to unexpected disasters are proposed