CONTINGENCY PLAN: HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE AND DISASTER RELIEF (HADR)
1. Purpose
To outline coordinated actions and responsibilities to respond effectively to humanitarian needs resulting
from natural or man-made disasters, ensuring timely relief and support to affected populations.
2. Situation and Assumptions
a. Situation
The area of responsibility is prone to [earthquakes/typhoons/floods/conflict].
Local resources may be quickly overwhelmed in a disaster scenario.
Civilian infrastructure, communications, and transport may be degraded or destroyed.
b. Assumptions
A request for assistance will be made by local/national authorities or an international body (e.g., UN, Red
Cross).
Host nation approval and coordination are granted.
Initial support will come from military or first-responder units already in the region.
Logistics hubs and access points (ports, airfields) will be prioritized.
3. Mission
Provide rapid, coordinated humanitarian assistance to affected populations in the [region/country], alleviating
human suffering and supporting local response efforts until civilian authorities and NGOs can resume
primary responsibility.
4. Execution
a. Concept of Operations
Phase 0: Preparedness
Conduct training and joint exercises with interagency partners.
Pre-position supplies and update rapid deployment packages.
Phase 1: Alert & Deployment
Activate HADR task force.
Conduct needs assessment and establish communications with local authorities.
Phase 2: Response
Deploy medical, engineering, and logistics support teams.
Establish Forward Operating Base (FOB) or coordination center.
Phase 3: Relief & Recovery
Transition responsibilities to civilian agencies and NGOs.
Provide sustainment support as needed.
Prepare for redeployment and demobilization.
b. Tasks to Subordinate Units
Medical Teams: Set up field hospitals, triage centers.
Logistics: Coordinate supply chain management (food, water, shelter).
Engineering: Clear roads, restore power/water.
Security Forces: Maintain order, protect aid convoys if required.
Liaison Officers: Deploy to local government and NGO coordination centers.
c. Coordinating Instructions
Prioritize life-saving activities and vulnerable populations (e.g., children, elderly).
Follow international humanitarian law and host nation regulations.
Ensure accountability and tracking of aid.
5. Administration and Logistics
a. Logistics
Use existing supply chains and air/sea routes.
Establish staging areas and forward logistics bases.
Coordinate with UN Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS), WFP, etc.
b. Medical Support
Field hospitals and CASEVAC plans in place.
Coordination with WHO, Red Cross, and local health authorities.
c. Transportation
Airlift capabilities for personnel and critical supplies.
Ground transport via military or contracted assets.
d. Sustainment
Plan for 30-60 days of sustainment for deployed forces.
Resupply via military logistics or international aid corridors.
6. Command and Signal
a. Command
HADR Command Element (e.g., Joint Task Force or Emergency Operations Center) led by [designated
authority].
Clear chain of command and Rules of Engagement (ROE).
b. Control
Utilize mobile C2 platforms and satellite communications.
Integrate with local and international coordination structures (e.g., UN OCHA cluster system).
c. Communications
Ensure interoperability with civilian agencies.
Use redundant communication methods (radio, satellite, mobile networks).
Daily SITREPs and coordination briefings.