Determining shelter locations in conflict areas by multiobjective modeling: A case study in northern Syria

The crisis in Syria broke out on March 15, 2011. Millions of people left the country, and many were displaced as well. In particular, internally displaced persons (IDPs) are facing difficulties in terms of shelter, health, food, and other needs. In light of this, the present study focused on determining shelter locations in Idleb, Syria. To this end, we utilized real data from the area, which were obtained from direct beneficiaries, and developed a mixed-integer weighted-goal programming model based on the humanitarian context. The objectives of the proposed model included maximizing covered demands, cash for work, up-scalable shelters, portable water, and sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities; covering people meeting vulnerable humanitarian criteria (people with disabilities, children attending school, pregnant/lactating women, and people with chronic diseases); and minimizing costs while considering the capacities and constraints of the located shelters. GIS (geographic information systems) was also employed in the analysis. The developed model was solved via an optimization package, and we obtained a global solution to the problem. Furthermore, sensitivity analyses were performed to deepen the research. Decision-makers can use the model's outputs and sensitivity analyses to achieve compromise solutions in similar disasters in other contexts.