Three Finnish logistics experts to help rescue effort in aftermath of US h

[icymist]

Three Finnish logistics experts to help rescue effort in aftermath of US hurricane

The United States has asked for the assistance of 55 logistics experts from around the world to help in the rescue effort in the aftermath of the hurricane that devastated parts of Mississippi and Louisiana. The group, which includes three Finns, are to help coordinate operations to help people dispersed over a wide area in the affected region.

<snip>

The request came the International Red Cross on Friday, and the decision to send the three came on Saturday.
"The transport system in the United States is largely based on cars. Now that they cannot be used, rescue efforts need to be arranged in other ways", said Kalle Löövi, the head of international aid at the Finnish Red Cross, at the general meeting of the organisation in Pori on Saturday.

http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi/english/article/1101980844912

Cars cannot be used in the transport system in NO and the NG turns back buses? Just what is going on here?

[wli]

1. They're lying. There was a rescue effort that drove in stealthily.

It used less-guarded roads and possibly drove off-road to circumvent checkpoints. It showed up somewhere on DU.

[icymist]

2. Yeah. I remember that. They rescued rich white tourists in the middle

in the middle of the night. But, what the hell is this? Part of a cover-up? As if their saying "Hey world, look, we can't get into the effected area without help!"??

[longship]

3. Tervetuloa!!

n/t

[nadinbrzezinski]

4. no, no, you folks miss this, the all important call to Geneva

has been placed, these guys are working under the auspices of the ICRC... don't expect to see this on CNN, but this is triggering a bunch of effects, and Habitat for Humanity will have expert help. This IS amazingly good news.

I used to work for a national society... trust me when I say this... it took a lot of pressure to get the ARC to place that call.. I am in tears here...

[parasim]

5. That's great, every little bit can sure help...

Also from the article:

-snip

Löövi says that the United States has not asked for material aid, because the US has plenty of supplies. "However, if help is needed, we have a hospital for 160 patients with the equipment needed for water purification. It is also self-sufficient with respect to the electric supply, which is very important in unstable conditions."

-snip

Gee, we sure could have used a few of those like, a week ago.

[spuddonna]

6. BULLSHIT!! Jefferson Parish allowed people back today!!

Jefferson Parish allowed people to come back today to their homes to collect personal belongings via the method most of us use: A CAR!!!

[icymist]

7. Related story from Belgian logistics team.

Belgian logistics team sent
to hurricane disaster area

5 September 2005

BRUSSELS — A team of 10 Belgian logistical specialists flew to the US on Monday to assist in emergency response efforts in the Hurricane Katrina disaster area.

Belgium offered assistance to the US last week and the American Red Cross requested Foreign Minister Karel de Gucht dispatch a team to assist logistical co-ordination.

The nine Belgian military personnel and one Red Cross worker will operate in a civilian capacity, broadcaster VTM reported. They will work alongside US colleagues.

<snip>

Meanwhile, the US also requested assistance from both the EU and Nato on Sunday, newspaper 'De Tijd' reported

http://www.expatica.com/source/site_article.asp?subchannel_id=48&story_id=23387&name=Belgian+logistics+team+sentto+hurricane+disaster+area+

[nadinbrzezinski]

8. I am almost in tears over here

[MadeinOhio]

9. Awesome, United States got some qualified experts finally!

Granted it took searching outside of the USA to find them all, but whatcha gonna do? :shrug:

James Lee Whitt will make it good though.