Baptiste Burgaud, deployed by the Global Logistics Cluster, is on the ground at the San Isidro military base in Santa Domingo en route to Port-au-Prince. He gave an update on the scene.
It’s 14:34h in Santo Domingo and Baptiste Burgaud, seconded by ACF to the Global Logistics Cluster, has been in the San Isidro military base for seven hours. He is one of many aid workers deployed to support the emergency response in Haiti – on his way to provide vital logistics support to survivors and humanitarians on the ground in Port-au-Prince.
The base is packed with NGO and UN staff trying to hitch a ride on the next plane or helicopter bound for the devastated capital. US military C-130s and Black Hawks arrive bringing in the wounded for medical treatment and depart with search and rescue teams with their dogs. As the situation for all those affected by the quake becomes increasingly difficult, the urge to get deliveries moving, get relief supplies in, is almost tangible.
This is a space to plan; to collect thoughts; to get some rest before the days ahead; to meet colleagues from past emergencies. And to think about the devastation that awaits, particularly those who have lost family, friends and colleagues.
As this is published Baptiste has secured a seat on a flight. He will be in Port-au-Prince to support the Logistics Cluster. Together with local authorities, NGO and UN colleagues he will help organise the delivery of humanitarian relief to affected communities.