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DHL Provides Logistical Support to Tsunami-Hit Countries; DHL Continues to Mobilize Humanitarian Aid and Contributions for Tsunami Victims

DHL Provides Logistical Support to Tsunami-Hit Countries; DHL Continues to Mobilize Humanitarian Aid and Contributions for Tsunami Victims

Published 01-06-05

Submitted by DHL

PLANTATION, FL - As the affected countries undertake recovery efforts following the destruction of last week's tsunami, DHL, the world's leading logistics and express delivery company, has been responding to requests from national and local governments in affected countries, as well as international aid agencies to provide assistance delivering relief supplies and humanitarian aid. DHL offices across the Asia Pacific region and throughout the world have been directly involved in relief efforts.

"The devastation by the tsunami is one of the most terrible natural events in history. Our thoughts continue to be with the families and loved ones of the tsunami victims," said Fred Beljaars, Executive Vice President of Operations for DHL Americas. "DHL has a long-history in aiding countries and organizations, on local, regional and global levels, that have been affected by natural disasters or other extenuating circumstances. As a global company and corporate citizen, we are committed to assist these countries with our logistical expertise and humanitarian aid during this time of need."

As a founding member of the World Economic Forum's Disaster Resource Network (DRN), DHL, together with partner industries, mobilized to render immediate assistance to countries affected by the calamity. Under the direction of Chris Weeks, DRN Director for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa regions, the members of the Aircraft Emergency Team (AET) have assembled resources and human expertise to enable airport activities in support of relief efforts. The AET is a DRN initiative stemming from DHL experience in providing logistical support and expertise when disasters strike.

DHL is providing chartered flights to help in the delivery of relief supplies. To date, it has chartered seven flights, via a mix of DHL aircraft and commercial uplift to areas such as Phuket, Colombo, and the Andamans from India, transporting more than 126 metric tons of relief supplies, including medical supplies, food, clothing, and drinking water to tsunami-affected areas in the region.

DHL is also providing free use of storage facilities for relief supplies in Jakarta, Indonesia to the UNHCR relief operation.

Other relief activities by DHL to date include:

  • Delivery of approximately 50 metric tons of supplies to Thailand

  • Deployment of DHL vans to supplement local Indian government fleets to transport relief materials and personnel to affected areas

  • Delivery of blankets and clothing through the Red Crescent to victims in Indonesia

  • Provision of storage space in its warehouses in Singapore and Vietnam for the collection of relief items

  • Purchase and distribution of relief supplies such as food, water, tents, blankets, and stoves regionally

  • On-site assistance in transportation, distribution and logistics support in affected areas

    Globally, DHL has also offered its services to the International Red Cross and the Red Crescent to provide assistance in relief activities that the two organizations have undertaken to help with affected countries.

    The worldwide business entities of DHL -- including DHL Express, DHL Danzas Air & Ocean and DHL Solutions -- continue to raise monetary donations and aid in relief activities through flight charters, and contributions in-kind to the tsunami disaster. DHL has also set up a collection fund to coordinate employee contributions, which will be channeled directly to the victims and their families.

    DHL parent company Deutsche Post World Net (DPWN) has also announced a donation of one million euros ($1.3 million USD) towards the relief efforts.

    "As part of a global network and community, DHL Americas feels a strong responsibility to provide whatever aid is necessary to help ease the suffering of the tsunami victims," said Kay Hart, Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications, DHL Americas. "We continue to employ our global logistics expertise and services in the hopes that it will facilitate the ongoing relief efforts for an expeditious recovery." As with DHL efforts elsewhere throughout the globe, DHL Americas has committed to matching financial contributions from staff toward tsunami relief efforts.

    As official government organizations start to deploy into the affected areas, the need for private companies such as DHL to organize flights and direct aid will diminish, and be supplanted by a continuing need for financial contributions. DHL urges individuals interested in making a donation to consider contacting one of the following agencies to offer financial support:

  • The Red Cross (www.redcross.org)

  • UNICEF (www.unicef.org)

  • Oxfam (www.oxfam.org)

    DHL will remain actively involved in the relief effort and continue to work in partnership with both international and local aid agencies to facilitate the relief supplies. These aid agencies have the infrastructure in place to ensure that those in need can be provided with the items that are most urgent for their particular situation.

    About DHL

    With annual revenues over $25 billion in 2003, DHL is the global market leader of the international express and logistics industry, specializing in providing innovative and customized solutions from a single source.

    DHL offers expertise in express, air and ocean freight, overland transport and logistics solutions, combined with worldwide coverage and an in-depth understanding of local markets. Founded in San Francisco in 1969, DHL's international network links more than 220 countries and territories worldwide. Over 160,000 employees are dedicated to providing fast and reliable services that exceed customers' expectations. For more information on DHL, please visit www.dhl.com.

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