Mathematical Programming and Simulation Approaches for Location Problems of Urban Search and Rescue Teams: Case Study of Istanbul

Natural disasters are catastrophic phenomena that disrupt people’s lives. Earthquakes are a kind of natural disasters that has long lasting destructive effects. The aim of this study, the number and types of the additional search and rescue teams needed by different regions after an earthquake is determined. In the modeling of problem, the available units try to respond to the demands of primary and secondary coverage areas after responding to the demands of their own regions first. The obtained solution is tested with simulations to validate the mathematical model. In the results section, the need for search and rescue teams emerging in case of an earthquake is determined at the end of the planning process