GARD to prepare airports to handle logistics during disasters

The North East region, one of the world's most disaster-prone areas, will benefit from a disaster preparedness program 'Get Airports Ready for Disaster' (GARD) developed by Deutsche Post DHL Group (DPDHL) and UNDP to prepare airports to handle the surge of incoming relief goods, in case of emergency.
Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati hosted the first GARD programme held in the country from today for four days.
Speaking at the event, Airport Authority of India (AAI) chairman R K Srivasatava said "Guwahati International Airport received 2.2 million passengers between 2011 and 2012. In the event of a disaster, the airport will play a crucial role in relief efforts undertaken."

"Realising the increasing frequency and threats of disaster in civil aviation, AAI in partnership with UNDP and DHL, initiated the GARD programme as a preparedness measure to ensure the airport remains functional during and after disasters," Srivasatava said.
Country Director of UNDP in India Jaco Cilliers said, "during disasters, airports frequently become the logistical hub where relief and emergency supplies are distributed.
"However, airports are often not equipped to handle the huge volume of goods and surge traffic that follows in the immediate aftermath of any disaster. Therefore, enhancing the preparedness of airports is vital to ensure business continuity and smooth rescue and relief efforts," Cilliers said.

"Through these GARD workshops, DHL is able to work together with authorities all over the world to analyse and define the capacities needed at airports in case of natural disasters and improve the overall coordination across various organisations involved in relief efforts," said DHL Humanitarian Affair Director Chris Weeks.

"During natural calamities, the Guwahati International
Airport becomes a critical nerve centre as it is the only airport catering to international air travel to India's North East region.
"This programme, being the first for India, will help develop a blueprint specific to the country in times of disaster," said DHL Express India senior vice-president and country manager, R S Subramanian.

The North East region is among the most seismically active regions and considered as the sixth major earthquake-prone belt in the world, according to the Status of Seismicity in the Northeast India and Earthquake Disaster Mitigation.
During the GARD workshop participants would brainstorm and develop action plans on how to prepare airport personnel for emergencies caused by natural disasters, address the often high volumes of emergency relief aid, incoming goods and passengers in the immediate aftermath of a disaster, a release on the workshop said.
Participants include a mix of staff from the airport's terminal management team, including cargo handling, operations, communications, navigation services, civil and electric engineering, fire and security services, immigration, customs and district officials, besides organisations involved in disaster relief such as the National Disaster Management Authority, Assam State Disaster Management Authority, the Indian Air Force and the International Organisation for Migration, the release said.

As disasters pose unique situations and logistical challenges for airports, disaster management planning, preparedness and capacity building of airport staff and other stakeholders was of paramount importance, it added.