What images does the news of Cyclone Idai in Mozambique conjure up for you?
Charity emergency teams giving out supplies to people who fled their homes? Aid workers with food for hungry children?
All of this does happen. But for every emergency worker on the ground, many more work behind the scenes.
Their role is vital in making sure all the emergency supplies and equipment get to the right place at the right time.
As a logistics officer based in the UK, Gemma Blakey’s job is crucial to relief operations.
A self-confessed spreadsheet lover, she uses her meticulous planning and organisational skills to spring into action.
“I immediately check our stock and start talking to colleagues about who is available to respond, and what information we are getting about the needs on the ground,” she said.
“Then we can decide how the British Red Cross can best support the people in crisis.”
Gemma was already getting ready to help just a day after Cyclone Idai hit southern Africa.
