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.