Relief Logistics during 2011 Thailand Floods:The real situation and lessons learnedAsst.Prof. Sathaporn Opasanon (PhD)Thammasat Business Schoolopasanon@gmail.com, opasanon@tu.ac.th

What happened in 2011?Two main factorsAn unusually high amount of rainMismanagement of the department of irrigation

Consequences6 months (July, 2011 Jan, 2012)66 out of 77 provinces13.6 million people7 Industrial estatesUS$ 45.7 BnThe worst flooding Disruptions to global manufacturing supply chains

*FloodingPeopleEnterprises

TransportInfrastructure

Effects of FloodingHousesCarsPetsManufacturersLSPsRetailersRoadRail

Transportation Infrastructure

Unconnected Roadways

Key FindingLesson learnedFeed Forward Severe traffic jams on some unaffected main routesTraffics clogged highways out of the flooded areas.Provide necessary travel information, esp all possible alternative routes.

Recover some linkages.

Highway 340 RecoveryReclaim Highway 340, an alternative linkage to the southern part of Thailand

Transportation in the city

Key FindingLesson learnedFeed ForwardRoad transportation was limited.

The water levels were too high for vehicles to travel on some linkages.Provide effective multi-modal transport .

Match vehicle types with water levels

Multimodal Transport

Key FindingLesson learnedFeed Forward Unacceptably long travel time

Passengers had no idea how to get to their destinations.Provide multi-modal route guidance.

Car Parking

Flood shelter at Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok, Thailand, October 2011

Basic NecessitiesInstant noodlesCanned foodBottled waterTrash bagMosquito repellent lotionMedicationsToothbrush, toothpasteFlash light, candlesLightersWhistle, mirrorNylon ropeLife vest

WomenSanitary napkins

ChildrenMilkDiaperCandyToys

Survival Bags

Flood Relief Operations Center at Donmuang Airport

Inefficient Operations

*Packing StationStorage AreaReceivingShippingPull to packing stationPull to packing stationUnorganized Functions and FlowsPacking StationPacking StationPULL

High stockpile of donated basics

Key FindingLesson learnedFeed Forward Huge inventory in the relief operations center

Product mixing in survival bagsThe operations were not well-organized.Adjust the layout and associated process.

Change from Pull to Push process.

*To-Be Functions and FlowsReserve storagefor large itemsCanned foodStationBagged riceStationInspection and sortation ReceivingShippingCross-dockingAccumulation, packing and utilization Other basicsBag StationPUSHPush to sortation

Distribution of sustenance kits

Redundancy in Aid Provisions

Key FindingLesson learnedFeed Forward Redundant aid provisions on certain areas, while none on some areas.

Lack of coordination among different actors

Lack of information sharing Set up a single agency with adequate authority in coordinating the delivery of aid.

Provide centralized information management system

Pets

Key FindingLesson learnedFeed Forward Shortage of supplies in retail stores Flood warning caused panic buying .

Retail distribution centers are in the flooded areas.

Carefully release flood warning

Rely more on direct shipment rather than all via DC.

* Suppliers StoresAll via DCLocal shopModern Distribution Network for RetailersLocal shop

Industrial Estates Affected by the Flood

Rojana Industrial Park, Ayutthaya, October, 2011

Disruptions to Automobile Supply Chain

*Disruptions to Manufacturing Supply Chain SupplierSupplierSupplierPlantDCDCRRRRRRCUSTOMERSSupplier

Key FindingLesson learnedFeed ForwardDisruptions to manufacturing supply chains Most SC rely on a single supplier for a certain component of a product to gain the economies of scale. Manage risk by having multiple suppliers.

Other Significant Damages

Interesting FindingsVictims refused to transfer to the temporary shelters provided.Social network helped transferring and sharing real-time information on the situationThai army played a critical role in relief operations and aid deliveries.

Remaining ChallengesHow to encourage affected people to move to provided sheltersHow to effectively manage overloaded information and coordinate aid deliveryHow to provide fast and seamless multi-modal transportHow to provide useful routing guidance

Thats a wrap!

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