posted on BajaForums 9-9-2009 at 07:21 AM (Siri)
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Baja Bush Pilots-Hurricane Jimena Airlift Project
Here is the latest update from Jack McCormick (minus the pilot-specific information, which the pilots all receive via BBP mailing list). In addition to providing a general update of the needs and plans for the airlift, Jack mentions that the information lists which they are compiling (including donation drop-off locations near airports)--is coming THIS AFTERNOON. As you can imagine, there are a lot of logistics for them to coordinate, but they are working hard and making lots of progress. As soon as this afternoon's update is done, I'll post it into a new thread here on Nomads specific to the BBP/Airlift. If anyone has any questions that I can help answer (as opposed to contacting BBP directly, since they are so slammed), please feel free to contact me by U2U or email: findsiri@yahoo.com. Thanks to everyone who's monitoring Nomads and ready to jump in and help. Siri
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Just got back [from Baja], we will have a full report out this afternoon. Attached is a short report for general information:
September 9, 2009
Baja Airlift
I have just gotten back from four days of determining needs and working out logistics regarding providing support for the most critical area of Baja because of the results of Hurricane Jimena.
The first two days was working with and flying Mexican Red Cross people throughout the mid-Baja region with the second two days working out the logistics of how to import,receive, sort, and distribute the needed items.
The Red Cross has determined that the greatest needs is in a box that starts at about Lopez Mateos north to Campo Rene on the Pacific side then across to Santa Rosalia and then north to just above Mulege. And in addition to the major villages, a major concern is the small villages and ranches located within these areas where all land access is cut off.
Both the Governor of Baja Sur and the President of Baja Sur Red Cross have asked us to help to work out some of the logistics for needs and distribution. The biggest issue at thispoint is to distribute Red Cross survival food boxes and later to those that are trapped and to receive and distribute relief items such as clothing, tarps, medical supplies, etc. that you are bring down to help to relieve some of the suffering.
Our office has been totally overwhelmed with response from members and the general public. My personal email is receiving over 100 a day with the BBP email receiving more. In addition, the telephone is ringing non-stop. Our resources are stretched to the limit.
We have attempted to answer much of the email but much is not. We are only answering the email that has the greatest impact on our mission. For that we apologize.
We need all that has been offered and we need all the aircraft that we can get. Claudia and I will be doing a complete report this afternoon regarding instructions for relief drop off locations as well as information for pilots wishing to make the flight now.
We are concentrating right now on FBO’s that have locations on airports that have staff that can take calls and receive and coordinate the shipment of relief supplies. Many haveindicated that they have hangers but most lack the ability of staff to take calls and be there to receive and send items.
Not all supplies need to go through drop off points. If you have a plane full of stuff, we will have information on where and when to go. We have the red tape cut with Customsin Loreto and we belive San Felipe. The large aircraft will go into Loreto, the small into one of the two airports in and near Mulege. The Loreto airport has volunteered the use ofthe old commercial terminal to receive supplies, do not go there without checking with us first.
We will be in the office today trying to complete the logistical requirements. Five of us will be in Mulege Friday to start receiving and with the help of locals, sorting and distributing the needed items. In addition, there will be flights into areas of need that have airstrips. There was (is) a major problem with the strip at Mulege and the BBP is hiring a grader to come in and work it. We hope it will be ready by Thursday afternoon. If not, all supplies will come into Punta Chivato where they will be taken by boat to Mulege. (the road from Chivato is all but gone) We will be sorting supplies with somegoing to Mulege, some to Santa Rosalia, and some to other small villages. Don’t worry about having too much stuff. It is all needed and will be used.
We anticipate that the airlift will start on Friday continuing on for about 10 days. I have a business meeting that I must attend in Seattle Tuesday morning so I have to go back toAZ Sunday. However, there will be three BBP members remaining in Mulege the first of the week, I will be back down on next Thursday.
Regarding helicopters, we need them and one of the big concerns is the fuel costs as these will be working continually in the back areas. We are working with the government to supply this fuel, the Governor knows of this need, and we hope to have some answer today. More to follow regarding this subject.
Again, we will have a full report out this afternoon with a complete list of drop off points with contact numbers as well as a list as to what is really needed.
I will try to get photos of the Serenidad and surrounding area up with this afternoon’s alert, time is the only problem.
Jack McCormick, President
Baja Bush Pilots
Chandler, AZ
[Edited on 9-9-2009 by Siri] |
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