The emergency operation in Haiti has been completed. The Defense deployment was for 14 days and started on Friday 20 August. The Dutch government decided to deploy Dutch military personnel after a request for help from the Haitian government. Haiti was hit by a massive earthquake on August 14, which claimed many victims and caused damage. The Netherlands was one of the countries that quickly decided to send (military) emergency aid.
The Dutch naval ship HNLMS Holland, with 99 troops, a helicopter, and fast motorboats on board, set sail for Haiti on 20 August. The Dutch deployment took place within a humanitarian aid mission of the European Union. The aid organizations present in Port-au-Prince (including the International Red Cross and UNOCHA from the United Nations) coordinated the aid needs in the disaster area. This resulted in specific tasks for the naval vessel.
Water, medical supplies, and family kits
For example, HNLMS Holland carried out various reconnaissance assignments with a helicopter and FRISCs, in order to get a better picture of the damage and relief needs locally. The patrol ship also assisted with logistics, moving personnel, and equipment from A to B. Many inland roads were damaged by the earthquake and unsafe due to criminal activity. Therefore, transport took place by air or by sea, for example to Les Cayes. Holland also unloaded relief supplies in several places. In Aquin, Anse-à-veau, Baradères, and Miragoâne, among others, water, medical supplies, and family kits were mainly delivered.
From emergency aid to reconstruction
“Humanitarian aid is an important and rewarding core task of Defense”, said Captain-Lieutenant Commander Harald van Rijn, commander of HNLMS Holland. “We have been able to step in to help people in need. My crew, the soldiers who came on board especially for this mission and I look back with satisfaction on our efforts at and above Haiti.”
Even after HNLMS Holland leaves, the Netherlands will continue to involve in humanitarian aid in Haiti, where the step is being taken from emergency aid to reconstruction. However, there is no longer any role for the Dutch military in that reconstruction.
Pride
Outgoing Defense Minister in the Netherlands Ank Bijleveld spoke appreciative words to the soldiers involved: “For two weeks, the Defense organization provided aid to Haitians in need. We are proud of our colleagues who have worked very hard.” HNLMS Holland entered Curaçao today.
