POST DISASTER SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT - A CASE STUDY

Abstract

Today's world is being subjected to nature's wrath more frequently then the past and the testimony to this is the number of earthquakes, cyclones and floods occurrences in the recent past. Recently, India and Nepal were shocked with killer earthquakes which resulted in thousands losing their lives and millions displaced. In the present scenario it is extremely imperative to plan for disaster response activities and to be proactive to diminish the economic and human losses. Disaster relief is a complex process with many unique supply chain challenges, with issues related to destruction of transportation infrastructure, lack of communication, and difficulty in coordination amongst multiple relief agencies. Post disaster supply chain deals with efficient and rapid movement of relief supplies to the disaster areas and its distribution to the affected population so that normal living conditions are restored at the earliest. However, the theoretical explanation seems to be simple but on ground execution and management of disaster supply chain is a phenomenal task and needs to be planned cautiously. During most disaster situations, there is breakdown of means of communication thus information is scarce and coordination is difficult to achieve, which creates interruption in flow of supply chain. Hence disaster response supply chain functions at a level of high uncertainty, and is very dissimilar from what most supply chain practitioners think. This study describes the main issues that are faced by the disaster response supply chain practitioners. The research was done with an objective to study various disasters, especially in the Indian context, so that the dynamics and challenges in post disaster supply chain could be identified. A case study method of research has been followed in which recent disaster in Uttarakhand was studied in detail. Uttarakhand disaster was a nightmare for all the disaster relief agencies because of total breakdown of supply chain as the affected area was totally cut-off from the main land and lack of information added to the level of difficulty. It highlighted lack of coordination and breakdown of transportation means as the biggest challenges during the Uttarakhand disaster. Further in research a questionnaire based survey was carried out amongst the various government, non-government and private disaster relief agencies. The survey again emphasised that the major issues which restricts efficient disaster response supply chain are lack of coordination between multiple agencies, lack of professionals in disaster supply chain management, void exists between relief demands and supplies, poor information of the affected area, lack of technology and difficulty in transportation of relief supplies. The observed fault lines in disaster supply chain management are required to be addressed at the earliest, and with this thought process recommendations were derived for an effective and resilient supply chain for disasters. The recommendations made in this dissertation are actions to be implemented by government, non-government and private disaster relief agencies during planning and execution of disaster relief operations. The recommendations covered the issues of adequate preparation for the impending disaster, developing SCM systems for disasters, developing coordination, pre-positioning of relief materials in well located warehouses, management of suppliers, use of information technology, and alternate transportation means. The study also brings out the role of Armed Forces in support of post disaster supply chain. The military of our nation have got a robust and time tested logistics and supply chain system; therefore they can contribute immensely in ensuring an efficient disaster response supply chain management. Apart from being the first responders during disasters, our Armed Forces can play a distinctive role in coordination of relief supplies, establishing communications, transportation of relief materials, damage assessment, establishing relief and distribution centres and construction and repair of roads. In the end study concluded that there is a need to pay more emphasis on post disaster supply chain management and in this the government will have to take the lead. Other - agencies also need to incorporate professionalism in their approach towards post disaster supply chain management and should plan and prepare themselves in advance.