(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) A dedicated logistics centre at the Salalah port set up by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has come as a lifeline for supply of humanitarian aid to the strife-torn Yemen.
'The logistics base in Salalah is a real gift for people in Yemen and also something which allows us to focus on our job to provide humanitarian aid to the people in the country' Shahïn Ammane spokesman for IRCR delegation in Yemen told Muscat Daily from Yemen. The first shipment from Salalah carrying 1000 tonnes of food and three large generators left on June 17 and was unloaded at Hodeidah port in Yemen a week later. The agency is getting a second shipment ready which may be sent within this month.
'Oman has acted as the go-between Yemen and international aid providers which really helps. The logistical hub is important for relief operations because of its proximity to Yemen' said Ammane.
The logistics centre acts as a hub where we can bring in stuff from all over the world using air and shipping lines added Ammane. 'We are using shipping lines to transport into Yemen from Salalah and later intend to use road networks when they are secure enough to use.'
He said that the next shipment was due shortly but was not sure at the moment which port will be used for delivery. 'It all depends on the situation and the necessary negotiations between the various parties involved within the conflict zone.'
Ammane added that with the speeding of aid delivery to Yemen the challenge now was to make it accessible to the people who need it the most. 'Doing that is a major issue as large parts of the country are witnessing intensified fights. Yemen today is on the edge of a catastrophe. We call the world to look at the suffering and respond with help' Ammane appealed.
The first shipment from Salalah included sugar rice lentils palm oil and tea that was expected to cover the needs of 140000 people for 30 to 40 days. 'The generators will enable authorities in charge of water in Aden to keep providing clean supply to virtually all residents at a time when sanitation is rapidly disintegrating across the city' said ICRC in a statement. Part of the consignment with over 160 tonnes of aid that is expected to cover the emergency needs of 17500 people was distributed across the frontlines in the southern city of Aden on July 2.
Around half of Aden's population are displaced from their homes seeking shelter in any available space in the town. 'Aden residents have been living under extreme duress for three months' said Robert Zimmerman who heads the ICRC sub-delegation in Aden.
'Wherever you live in Aden food is in very short supply. It is essential for us to distribute this emergency aid impartially across frontlines and in agreement with all parties.'
The price of food has skyrocketed due to the fighting and hindrances put in place by the warring parties for goods to reach Aden. Most stores are closed or have only few goods to sell. Furthermore people often cannot move to get what is available on the market due to intense fighting. Therefore a majority of the city's over a million population relies on timely humanitarian aid ICRC stated.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.