A platform for disaster response planning with interdependency simulation functionality

Abstract

Catastrophic events can result in great loss of lives and property. Planning an effective disaster response to minimize associated losses is a fundamental challenge for decision makers. The planning process can be improved by simulating interdependent critical infrastructures and evaluating system behavior during disaster scenarios. This paper describes a disaster response planning simulation platform that supports decision making based on the interdependencies existing between a power grid and a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system. By considering the physical constraints on the power grid and SCADA network, a set of feasible configurations is presented to disaster responders. The utility of the platform is demonstrated using an example scenario involving power distribution to a hospital during a disaster event.