Helping victims of Typhoon Haiyan is a complex mission
Posted November 12, 2013 8:32 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – Sending help to the Typhoon-ravaged Philippines isn’t as simple as we might think.
An international aid expert says there are many complex logistical challenges of helping people on the ground after a natural disaster, which differ based on geography.
While the international community has learned a thing or two with a number of high-profile natural disasters in the last few years, Doug McArther with SFU says sometimes, less really is more.
Groups like the Red Cross and UNICEF have the experience when it comes to helping with natural disasters, so limiting aid partners to those large agencies helps with organizing.
“You really need to look at the proven international organizations. While there are many organizations that would like to help, there are only a limited number in the world that can get in there and do the job. They know how to get access to medical assistance, drugs, food, and clothing. They know how to get access to those close to the areas affected. Give them the money and let them go out there and do the job.”
He says once supplies arrive, organizing efforts on the ground is always hard. “One of the difficulties faced is how to coordinate with the national government and the regional governments that are there and the government agencies and departments within the country. This can be a real challenge.”
McArthur also says volunteers should steer clear unless specifically asked for help. “Volunteers from our communities are not what they need now. Only if they call for volunteers should we even think about going in there.”
McArthur says coordinating between local governments and aid agencies is hard enough, especially early on.
You can support the Typhoon Haiyan Fund through the Canadian Red Cross by texting REDCROSS or ROUGE to 30333 to donate $5.
