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Rapid response to emergency needs through an efficient emergency shelter relief system is crucial to mitigate the impact of disasters in affected areas. This paper discusses the location of different types of emergency shelter, the allocation of evacuees, and the assignment of materials on demand in layers. Based on the proposed conceptual framework for emergency relief at three levels, the method provides for three recursive mechanisms: (1) the number of evacuees and materials demand forecasting, (2) shelter location and evacuee allocation, and (3) materials assignment. The paper formulates a hybrid algorithm by proposing fuzzy clustering, multi-objective and dynamic models. The objectives of the proposition are to minimize the number of shelters selected and the evacuation distance and maximize the satisfaction rate of materials demand. The robustness and performance of the proposed model are illustrated by a numerical study of an actual large-scale earthquake in China. The framework can ensure that emergency rescue operations are carried out orderly and efficiently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolution from physical distribution to logistics, and then to supply chain management has invoked many interesting studies in recent years. By applying the material flow theory that expands attributes of logistics to coordination of environment, economy, and society, this paper examines the evolution from a unique perspective: sustainable development. The purpose of this paper is to provide a summary review of the evolution of physical distribution, logistics, supply chain management, and their new stage-material flow theory. The paper aims at tracing how concepts and findings in physical distribution, logistics, supply chain management, and material flow have been developed and extended continually. The results show that the requirements for material flow services vary with the economic development level in different countries and that material flow service is required to be compatible with a country's development stage. The paper concludes that the MF theory is the option for dealing with the overwhelming complexity of material flow systems in the global economy of the twenty-first century. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]