Samaritan’s Purse Douglas DC-8 Responds to Crisis in Haiti

The Samaritan’s Purse Douglas DC-8 has responded to Haiti in an effort to deliver aid after a magnitude 7.2 earthquake hit the Carribean nation over the weekend, killing at least 1,200 people.

The aircraft flew out Sunday, according to the organization, bringing more than a dozen disaster response specialists and 31 tons of relief supplies, including emergency shelter material, medical supplies, and water filtration units. A medical team will also deploy to provide basic care and begin health assessments.

Teams are working closely with local authorities and church partners to assess needs, distribute aid, and mount a strategic response in hard-hit locations. The organization said a second airlift would be set up to transport the medical teams to serve trauma patients if necessary.

In 2020, Samaritan’s Purse was among the first aid organizations to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, delivering 38 tons of medical relief supplies, including an emergency field hospital, to Italy. Missions last year also included trips to aid:

Families who fled conflict in ArmeniaHurricane victims in HondurasFamilies in Lebanon impacted by a deadly explosion

The DC-8 was first deployed in 2016 and is configured to carry up to 84,000 pounds of cargo and 32 passengers. It’s part of a 23-aircraft fleet, including two helicopters, in the Samaritan’s Purse aviation division.

The DC-8 was recently on display at EAA AirVenture 2021 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.