Emergency logistics management and its operations reference model

In recent years various disasters with enormous consequences occurred frequently around the world. Emergency Logistics, a new field of logistics which plays a key role in disaster relief and aftermath recovery, has got much attention and become a new efficient methodology in dealing with disastrous consequences. This paper illustrates the theory, practice development, specific characteristics and concept of Emergency Logistics. For emergency logistics management, the most important part is the establishment of emergency logistics system. Enlightened by the present theory and results, an Operations Reference Model for Emergency Logistics System is proposed, in which the support mechanism, compositional elements and functionalities of Emergency Logistics System are discussed in this essay. It is necessary that it has potential value for further study or practical use of Emergency Logistics Management.