Location Decision for Earthquake Relief Warehouses: A Study on Bangladesh with a Reference to Centre of Gravity Method

The location decision for a central earthquake relief warehouse is crucial for Bangladesh as the country is situated in an earthquake-prone region. It is necessary to manage and supply essential goods fast to the earthquake-affected areas. The post-earthquake situation demands logistic and humanitarian support. So storage and supply of essential goods in a properly located central warehouse may ease the situation. This study applies the Centre of Gravity method to find the appropriate location for a central warehouse in Bangladesh. Initially, the study finds Tangail is the appropriate location for a central warehouse. Later, due to the potential risks of Sylhet and the adjacent Indian belt of earthquakes, further calculation between Tangail and Sylhet, it finds Ajmiriganj upazila in Habiganj district, Sylhet division is the appropriate location for the central warehouse. Several avenues for future researchers are shown to extend this study. Some fruitful recommendations are drawn, which may be helpful for the government of Bangladesh.