Logistics proved vital in Turkey disaster response efforts

The members of UTIKAD began coordinating the distribution of humanitarian aid through the Disaster Coordination Board, which was set up by the association to aid relief efforts, after two significant earthquakes struck the Turkish city of Kahramanmaras on February 6.

Two earthquakes in the country's southeast with magnitudes 7.7 and 7.6 destroyed ten cities and had an impact on the lives of about fourteen million people across a wide area.

On the very first day, UTIKAD acted swiftly to take the lead in organizing the delivery of aid to the area. Association members continue to run logistics operations around the clock to get international and domestic aid to the disaster area.

The Disaster Coordination Board was formed as a volunteer movement to address the logistical requirements of delivering aid to the disaster area. Volunteers continue to offer their logistical expertise through the board for the quick delivery of supplies, large equipment, rescue tools, and volunteers to aid in the efforts.

As a result of UTIKAD's quick communication with government agencies like the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority, governorships, municipalities, and other NGOs, the volunteer members were easily informed of the logistics requirements.

While the immediate need to respond to the disaster caused road traffic to become congested, alternatives such as rail, Ro-Ro, and cargo aircrafts were quickly introduced and are now heavily used to deliver aid. Members of UTIKAD also coordinated the delivery of international rescue teams to the disaster area.

Through the tireless efforts of its members, UTIKAD is putting together a block train to transport aid items like mobile kitchens, container homes, and heating.

Members are still being informed of the facilitative actions being taken to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid from the neighboring countries to Türkiye.

Numerous steps have been taken to simplify the delivery of aid in areas like vehicle permits and customs procedures.