DHL Group recently concluded its second GoHelp Disaster Response Team (DRT) training in Bangalore, India, marking a significant step in advancing regional disaster preparedness and resilience. The two-day programme, held from 5–6 April 2025 at a DHL facility, brought together over 30 employees from Blue Dart, DHL Express, DHL Global Forwarding, and DHL Supply Chain.
This session follows more than a decade after the inaugural DRT training in India in 2013, underscoring the Group’s continued commitment to equipping local teams with the practical skills and knowledge needed to manage emergency situations. Observing the training was the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), India’s specialised agency tasked with responding to natural and man-made disasters.
The training was split into two parts: a classroom-based theoretical component and a hands-on practical session. The theoretical module focused on stakeholder management and safety protocols, helping participants understand how to effectively engage with NGOs, military forces, government bodies, and the media during crises. The practical portion involved a disaster simulation, offering direct coaching in relief cargo management, warehouse operations, and forklift handling.
“DHL has always provided support when needed in India, such as our deployment in 2018 for the flood in Kerala, and again in 2022 for the flood in Assam. Therefore, it is timely for us to return to India and train a new batch of volunteers. Our employees have existing logistics expertise, but the situation during a deployment can be different from what they do day-to-day. The DRT training is crucial in providing them with the necessary knowledge to prepare for such situations.
Since our last training in 2013, the focus has shifted from reactive disaster response to proactive preparedness. We now train them beyond airport logistics to include warehousing so that they manage relief cargo effectively and provide critical aid across multiple touchpoints during emergencies,” said Carl Schelfhaut, Head of the GoHelp program, Asia Pacific, DHL Group.
India is considered one of the most disaster-prone countries globally. According to UNICEF, 27 of its 29 states and seven union territories face recurring risks from natural hazards such as floods, cyclones, earthquakes, droughts, and landslides. With climate change expected to escalate the frequency and intensity of such events, the importance of preparedness becomes even more pressing.
The urgency of such training is underscored by historical events like the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami — the deadliest tsunami ever recorded — which claimed an estimated 228,000 lives across 14 countries, including Sri Lanka.
“At DHL, our purpose is Connecting People, Improving Lives, and the GoHelp program is one that is very close to our heart. Our employees go through these trainings to ensure that they can make active change in the communities they are in. More than 30 employees who went through the DRT training will enhance our preparedness should a disaster strike, and we need to lend a helping hand.” – R.S. Subramanian, Senior Vice President, South Asia, DHL Express.
“Our employees’ commitment to the GoHelp program is truly inspiring, and they play a vital role in disaster preparedness and response efforts. These training initiatives ensure that Blue Dart DHL is always ready to act whenever the communities need us most. Our GoHelp program and the humanitarian efforts under this initiative have a significant impact, and their importance will only continue to grow.” – Balfour Manuel, Managing Director, Blue Dart.
“Our employees participation in such training is crucial, as we prepare ourselves to responding effectively in emergencies and disasters. The GoHelp program is vital in our commitment to provide exceptional support during crises. Their skills in managing relief cargo across multiple touchpoints will be much needed as natural disasters occur more often these days.” – Edwin Pinto, Managing Director, India, DHL Global Forwarding.
“Natural disasters and shocks are getting more frequent and severe but logistics bottlenecks for relief aid don’t have to be. It’s been over 20 years now since our Disaster Response Team (DRT) was setup and has been collaboratively working with United Nations to support affected countries globally. Our employees undergo these training, so that they can reduce the negative impact of a natural disaster and helping communities recover faster.” – Vikas Anand, Managing Director, India, DHL Supply Chain.
