TNT, UPS and logistics group Agility have joined international efforts to expedite food supplies tohundreds of thousands of people affected by a series of natural disasters in Asia, the United
Nations World Food Programme (WFP) announced.The three logistics giants, who cooperate in a UN initiative called the Logistics EmergencyTeams (LETs), are collaborating with WFP to move food assistance to those worst affected byflooding in the Philippines and an earthquake in Padang, Indonesia.
WFP plans to provide assistance to about one million people in the Philippines affected byextensive flooding caused by cyclone Ketsana, which severed roads, bridges and closed airports. InPadang, Indonesia, WFP is working to assist the government following the devastating earthquakelast week which severed roads and bridges, making emergency response to remote areas a majorlogistics challenge.
The three companies have donated trucks and warehousing resources as well as logistics staffand coordination services to support the WFP activities. All staff deployed by the companies haveaugmented WFP’s response and are provided free of charge.
On Tuesday 13 October, TNT will transport 50 tonnes of high energy biscuits from Surabaya(East Java) to Padang (West Sumatra), at the request of the WFP. 30 tonnes will be transported viaan airlift; the other 20 tonnes will be transported via trucks.
On 16 October, a TNT Boeing 747-400 ERF will fly from Liege to Izmir (Turkey) where it willbe loaded with 100 tonnes of high energy biscuits (HEB) and fly from there to Manila. A secondflight is scheduled for 23 October, again with 100 tonnes of biscuits on board. TNT Philippines hastransported 40 tonnes of high energy biscuits in seven trucks to a location designated by WFP.
“By helping WFP ensure food supplies reach people affected by these natural disasters asquickly as possible, these companies are playing a lead role in helping save lives,” said PeterFrench, WFP Deputy Regional Director for Asia. “The expertise and resources they are providing comeat a critical time and are invaluable.”
The initiative capitalises on each company’s ongoing operations nearest to the site wherehumanitarian response is needed. By using these local resources during times of crises, such aswarehouse management and transport capabilities, WFP’s response is quicker and more effective.
Under the United Nations coordination mechanism for crisis response, WFP is the lead agencyfor logistics coordination for all humanitarian agencies, including interfacing with governmentsand military to maximise the effectiveness of assets during disaster response.
“The LETs initiative is an important component of our overall emergency response strategy andits generous contribution to these two natural disasters has been a significant boost to ourresponse,” French said. “The three companies involved in this initiative are proving that theprivate sector really can make a significant contribution during a crisis. It’s heartening to seethem so readily involved and compassionate in their response.”
