IMG_0438.jpg
Emergency response team

Air handling & Respect

Martedì, 09 Feb 2010
Written by Michael Kalkman
Air handling is completely different than what I'm used to. In Amsterdam we know what is coming in, when it’s landing and where it needs to go. An when things go wrong we know who to contact . Over here I need to follow the incoming flights and make sure all paperwork is ok.

So all day I’m on the phone with organisations like OXFAM, IOM, WHO, UNICEF, NRC, and off course WFP but also al lot of other organisations from all kind of different countries. I really need to look at what time it is where I’m calling to and then try to find the right person and explain them what they need to send.

But a lot of flights are coming in announced on time and with the right paperwork.

The colleagues I’m working with are a strange kind of species; some of them have been here for more than 21 days, working 14 hours each day seven days a week. They have not been near the swimming pool (it’s on the other site of the hotel) or been in the bar.

Hanrik Hanson (head of operations) even told me he could not do without the stress anymore, and I believe him on his word. He is really on top of things and knows what is goings on! 
Not only he but the whole crew over here has got my respect they are really pushing the limits.

Let me just give you some updates!

  • WFP has now reached around 1.9 million people since the earthquake struck.
  • More than 1.1 million people were reached in the past eight days through the fixed distribution sites set up across Port-au-Prince.
  • By Monday, we expect to cross the halfway mark in our goal of reaching two million people in the capital alone.
  • Using a coupon system, WFP is aiming to deliver a 25kg rice ration to at least two million people across the city over a two-week period.
  • In the town of Leogane, west of the capital and close to the centre of the earthquake, WFP has provided food aid to 80,000 people.
  • In Jacmel, south of the capital, we are providing hot meals at 40 different sites and we are focusing efforts on helping people in hard-to-reach areas outside the capital.
  • A wide-ranging assessment is now beginning in order to provide information for more targeted distributions once this scale-up is completed.

    Just to give you an idea!

    Greetings Michael

 

Impresive Job

Hi Michael,

impressive numbers and amazing job that you guys are doing in the Domanican Republic and espacially in Haiti.

I know how it is to work these hours for weeks from my time in Afghanistan in the emergency aid and reconstruction as logistician.

I also used to work for WHO and also with IOM, UNHCR, UNICEF, OXFAM and other and know how difficult this sometimes can be.

Keep on doing this fantastic work and I am proud that TNT send the right people to do the job and help.

Best Regards,

Dirk
TNT Express Bonn, Germany

Never Thought

Hi Micheal,

In Brindisi we talked about how it would be to work for WFP and know you are in the middle of a big operation. Everyone could be proud of you, specially your family.
I hope it would be a great experience for you and I’m looking forward to hear your stories when you are back at home.

Take care,
Jack Stadhouders

Keep up the good work

Hi Michael,

I apploud you for helping out our fellow humans in Haiti! It makes me very proud to know you and to see how you're contributing.

Kind regards,

Pascale

ritratto di fspaan

He Michael! Never thought

He Michael!
Never thought you would end up in Dominican and become a aircraft handler!
Great to see you and Karim are doing a great job over there! Keep up and I hope your family is proud of you! I will pay a visit to your office once you are back.

Regards, Ferry

Michael Respect! You're

Michael

Respect! You're really doing a very good job over there!

Sterkte de komende tijd, sowieso ook voor iedereen aldaar!

groet
Ronald

Invia nuovo commento

Il contenuto di questo campo è privato e non verrà mostrato pubblicamente.