Deutsche Post DHL send DRT to Haiti
Deutsche Post DHL has sent in the first logistics team for on-the-ground logistics support to the international relief effort in Haiti. The DHL Disaster Response Team (DRT) Americas is preparing to operate out of Toussaint L’ouverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince to manage the logistics and thereby ensure the continuous flow of inbound freight at the airport, including the transfer and distribution of incoming relief goods, once roads are stable. It will carry out its activities in close cooperation with the United Nations (UN).
“DHL is committed to providing unwavering support to the people of Haiti and our employees and their families during this devastating situation. We will do our utmost to make sure adequate food and medical supplies are delivered from the international airport to the people,” said Frank Appel, chief executive officer of Deutsche Post DHL.
The DHL team in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, is preparing to handle a variety of unsolicited relief goods such as tents, tarpaulins, food, clothing, medicines and water purifying equipment. DHL is aiming at building up a temporary, professional warehouse at the airport, including sorting facilities and making a full inventory of donated goods. Part of the team’s tasks is to also ensure the speedy loading of aid onto trucks or helicopters. The mission is expected to last for several weeks.
“The DRT was designed to respond to devastating situations like these and is committed to helping the people of Haiti. Its members are well-trained to provide hands-on effective logistics support to help the victims of natural disasters in the time of need,” said Chris Weeks, DHL director of humanitarian affairs. “However this disaster is going to require exceptional logistics skills as the country had poor infrastructure even before the earthquake struck,” continued Weeks.
