SECTOR OVERVIEW
As part of its efforts to ensure a rapid response to humanitarian emergencies around the world, USAID’s Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (USAID/OFDA)—the lead U.S. Government (USG) office for international disaster response—stores emergency relief supplies at strategically located warehouses in Miami, Florida; Pisa, Italy; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; and Subang, Malaysia. Stockpiled humanitarian relief commodities include blankets, hygiene kits, kitchen sets, water containers, and plastic sheeting for emergency shelter.
In addition to facilitating the storage of emergency relief commodities, USAID/OFDA deploys logistics personnel when a disaster strikes to assist directly with USG response efforts. With the support of Washington,D.C.-based specialists, logistics personnel manage the transport and consignment of relief commodities to USAID/OFDA partners operating in disaster-affected areas. USAID/OFDA’s Logistics Unit provides technical assistance to non-governmental organizations (NGOs), UN agencies, and host government counterparts in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. The unit also supports disaster risk reduction efforts to mitigate the impact of future disasters.
In Fiscal Year (FY) 2015, through grants and in-kind contributions to humanitarian partners, USAID/OFDA provided more than $340 million for emergency relief commodities and associated transport, as well as for other logistical support.