Humanitarian logistics
In an increasingly uncertain world where disasters, both manmade and natural, are on the rise, humanitarian logistics plays an important role.
Simply put, humanitarian logistics is the business of acquiring and delivering food, water, medicine, and other essential relief supplies and services to those affected by natural calamities or major crises.
It is estimated nearly 132 million people will need humanitarian assistance in 2019. Funding requirements are likely to come in at around US$22 billion (€19.14 billion), just to meet the most urgent needs of over 93 million people in crises.
DHL works with various high-profile agencies, international humanitarian agencies, non-governmental organizations and suppliers to provide professional logistics services to the sector.
In October 2018, for instance, DHL deployed its Disaster Response Team (DRT) to Indonesia in the wake of the devastating earthquake and tsunami on the island of Sulawesi. With nearly 1,000 villages affected by the disaster and a death toll of more than 1,400, the DRT provided logistics support in close collaboration with local staff and humanitarian organizations at local airports, managing incoming aid for distribution to those in need.
Managing humanitarian logistics is complex, given the time-critical and often chaotic nature of the situations.
But the advent of advanced technologies is changing the face of humanitarian logistics. In particular, industry players are looking at drones, which can be used to give a clear picture of disaster zones or deliver lightweight aid relief items to victims.
Find out more about Deutsche Post DHL Group's disaster management program here.
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