DHL Group reaffirmed its commitment to disaster preparedness in South Asia by conducting its second GoHelp Disaster Response Team (DRT) training in Bangalore. The two-day training, held on April 5–6 at a DHL facility, brought together over 30 employees from across its various business divisions. Participants represented Blue Dart, DHL Express, DHL Global Forwarding, and DHL Supply Chain, showcasing a united effort within the organization to build disaster resilience.
This initiative comes at a critical time, considering India’s high exposure to natural disasters. A staggering 27 of its 29 states and all seven union territories face frequent hazards such as floods, cyclones, and earthquakes. In response, DHL continues to focus on empowering its workforce and strengthening collaboration with national agencies.
With climate change intensifying natural calamities globally, such programs represent a shift from reactive to proactive disaster management. DHL’s training aims not only to prepare its teams for emergency logistics but also to build long-term capacity for handling complex relief operations effectively.
Comprehensive Training Structure Builds Practical Skills
The DRT training included both theoretical and practical components to ensure participants received a well-rounded experience. During the first session, trainers emphasized safety, stakeholder coordination, and the basics of disaster logistics. Employees learned how to assess crisis situations quickly and respond efficiently while maintaining clear communication across multiple agencies.
In the second session, DHL conducted a high-intensity simulation to mimic real-world disaster conditions. The practical exercise challenged participants to manage relief cargo, coordinate warehousing operations, and operate forklifts under pressure. This hands-on experience proved essential in building confidence and developing coordination skills.
Importantly, the training did not limit its focus to airport logistics, which traditionally dominates disaster response operations. Instead, it expanded into warehousing, cargo consolidation, and last-mile support, which play critical roles during large-scale emergencies.
NDRF Observes Training and Strengthens Civil-Private Synergy
Adding significance to the event, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) attended the training as an observer. Their involvement underscores the importance of public-private collaboration in disaster preparedness efforts. Although the NDRF did not participate directly, their presence enabled a valuable exchange of insights and best practices.
Through such collaborations, DHL aims to align its emergency logistics expertise with government strategies, creating a seamless response mechanism during crises. By leveraging the strengths of both civil and corporate actors, response efforts can become faster, more coordinated, and ultimately more effective.
GoHelp Program Expands Impact in South Asia
DHL’s GoHelp program, launched in partnership with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), serves as the foundation for its disaster-related initiatives. The GoHelp framework includes two key components: the Disaster Response Team (DRT) program and the Get Airports Ready for Disaster (GARD) program.
While the GARD program focuses on preparing airports for emergency relief operations, the DRT initiative strengthens DHL’s internal readiness across its logistics network. By expanding training across regions and departments, DHL ensures that more employees are capable of supporting humanitarian missions when disaster strikes.
This training in Bangalore marked the second such event in India, reinforcing DHL’s ongoing dedication to the region. Previous sessions have already equipped dozens of employees with the knowledge and tools necessary to make a real difference in times of crisis.
Looking Ahead: A Blueprint for Scalable Resilience
As DHL continues to expand its GoHelp efforts, the company sets a strong example for how businesses can contribute meaningfully to disaster resilience. By integrating logistics, training, and partnerships into a single framework, DHL empowers its workforce and strengthens community support mechanisms simultaneously.
Ultimately, the Bangalore training not only improved operational readiness but also emphasized the power of proactive preparation. With more such initiatives planned, DHL is helping pave the way toward a safer, more responsive future for disaster-affected regions in South Asia.
