CHSCM 3.0 - Unit 1 - SCM in the Humanitarian World

This data from the World Disasters Report 2005 demonstrates data collection by disaster type,
representing the number of people affected.
There are also certain parts of the world where man-made disasters are most likely to occur. In
these cases it is possible for governments and humanitarian aid organizations to anticipate future
disasters.
Plans can therefore be made for specific countries or regions, which can be put into effect should a
disaster then occur. These plans, if they already exist, can be used as the basis for further
arrangements.
Key to these plans is an analysis of the infrastructure, in relation to the risk and vulnerability, in a
certain country/area. This analysis will include things such as:
• Port/airport locations, access, capacity • Supply & supplier availability
• Transport options
• Communications infrastructure
• Possible warehouse sites
• Availability of means of transport
An example of a template logistics capacity assessment form that WFP uses is provided on the
resource CD.
From these outline plans, we can begin to develop a strategy for how the supply chain can be set up
and managed for the humanitarian situation, if it should occur. Such planning needs to involve
program staff as choices made at this stage in terms of supply chain design and product choice will
influence the timing and type of goods that are received during the push phase.
When a disaster does happen, the appropriate preparedness plan will be selected and deployment
commenced quickly. It is the logistician’s job to deploy this plan.