Humanitarian logistics

Regale, Hilfsgüter und DRKler mit Gabelstapler

In an emergency, it's essential to react quickly – very quickly, as every minute counts. An efficient relief operation is achieved through well-coordinated processes, a functioning logistical infrastructure, and prepared deployment modules that can be activated quickly.

Thanks to years of experience and the support of partners and donors, the German Red Cross has succeeded in maintaining the expertise and materials needed to be on the scene immediately and provide humanitarian assistance as needed. This enables effective global disaster relief. And it always takes place in close coordination with and in support of the local Red Cross or Red Crescent Society.

The Red Cross does not have its own aircraft, but instead relies on experienced charter specialists or hauliers when necessary. The most suitable aircraft type for the mission is selected from a large pool. Therefore, the goods to be transported must first be precisely determined based on weight, volume, and number of individual components. Relief items are also transported by sea or truck. Procurement is always local or regional to keep costs low and best meet local needs.

Water, Sanitation and Hygiene

For drinking water supply and epidemic prevention, the GRC maintains three different types of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene units: The WASH unit "40" ensures the supply of clean water for up to 40,000 people in a disaster area whilst the WASH unit "15" is suitable for regions where people are dispersed. Thanks to four mobile water treatment plants, a total of approximately 15,000 people can receive clean water. The WASH unit "20" provides up to 20,000 people with access to basic hygiene facilities such as latrines and washing amenities.

Luftaufnahme von Großraumzelten auf Fußballfeld

Mobile Hospital

Within 72 hours the German Red Cross is able dispatch a mobile hospital to a disaster area. Thanks to its modular design, it can be flexibly adapted to local conditions. In addition to the necessary equipment, the GRC also sends an experienced team that can provide appropriate treatment in close cooperation with local aid workers. The hospital can provide medical care for a population of up to 250,000 people in a short time. It includes an emergency room, an operating room, a mother-child ward, an X-ray unit, a laboratory and a pharmacy

After the deployment, the ERUs remain in the region to ensure that aid arrives even faster in future disaster situations. Therefore, the water and hygiene experts always work closely with the local aid workers. In future emergencies, it is the local people who direct and coordinate the deployment of the systems.

RC staff talking to community representative in South Sudan

International Coordination of Aid

Providing poeple in need with fast and purposeful assistance requires efficient coordination of aid and close cooperation with local Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

Emergency and Disaster Relief

Extreme weather disasters often leave people in the affected areas vulnerable. Earthquakes, floods or storms quickly destroy entire regions and existences.

Resilience

GRC projects always have the objective to strengthen the resilience of the most vulnerable people and the National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to enable them to better cope with crises and disasters in the future.

International Coordination of Aid

Providing poeple in need with fast and purposeful assistance requires efficient coordination of aid and close cooperation with local Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

Emergency and Disaster Relief

Extreme weather disasters often leave people in the affected areas vulnerable. Earthquakes, floods or storms quickly destroy entire regions and existences.

Resilience

GRC projects always have the objective to strengthen the resilience of the most vulnerable people and the National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to enable them to better cope with crises and disasters in the future.

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In an emergency, it's essential to react quickly, as every minute counts. An efficient relief operation is achieved through well-coordinated processes, a functioning logistical infrastructure, and prepared deployment modules that can be activated quickly.

Donate for people in need!

Humanitarian Logistics

Transportation of relief goods

The GRC´s Emergency Response units (ERUs)

Water, Sanitation and Hygiene

Mobile Hospital

Further reading

Your kindness can change lives.