Operation Overview as of 18 March 2016
The Logistics Cluster, when activated in an emergency, is responsible for providing logistics coordination, information management and where there is a gap in logistics infrastructure, WFP, as the lead agency of the Logistics Cluster, acts as a ‘Provider of Last Resort’ by offering common logistics services to support the humanitarian community in their response operations.
Logistics Coordination, Information Management and GIS
The Logistics Cluster was formally activated in Nepal on 27 April 2015 and is currently being phased out.
Logistics Cluster Cells have been established in Kathmandu, Deurali, Chautara, Charikot and Dhading Besi. Meetings are held on a regular basis in all locations in order to maximise the use of available resources, avoid duplication of efforts and allow an uninterrupted flow of relief material.
Information is disseminated on a daily basis both through the mailing list of organisations on the ground and via the Logistics Cluster website: http://logcluster.org/ops/nepal
To date, over 380 Information Management (IM) products have been published, and around 8,000 unique users have visited the website, producing more than 26,000 page views. 867 users are currently subscribed to the dedicated Nepal mailing list.
The Logistics Cluster has a dedicated GIS Officer to take requests from the humanitarian community for logistics mapping. Relevant maps are available for download on the Logistics Cluster website, including a road access map, a map of helicopter landing zones to assist the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service operation that has remained active until 31 December 2015, and district trekking trail maps to facilitate porter operations and repairs.
From the start of the operation, the Logistics Cluster established regular coordination with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) to avoid logistics bottlenecks, and a representative has been made available in Kathmandu, to advise the humanitarian community on customs procedures.
As of 18 March, over 500 participants from around 160 organisations have attended coordination meetings in Kathmandu, Deurali, Chautara,
Charikot and Dhading Besi.