UPS and FedEx are stepping up support for relief aid supplies to areas hit by Hurricane Irma after getting most of their US operations back to normal over the past few days.
UPS yesterday announced more than a $1 million commitment, through The UPS Foundation, in support of recovery efforts in the Caribbean, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma. This is in addition to the more than $1 million given toward Hurricane Harvey relief efforts on August 28.
The latest pledge is a combination of cash grants, in-kind transportation movements and technical expertise to provide urgent relief, as well as support for long-term needs ranging from rebuilding to personal and financial recovery assistance, the company said.
“We’re seeing unprecedented need in the aftermath of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma,” said Eduardo Martinez, president of The UPS Foundation and chief diversity and inclusion officer. “UPS is working with its non-profit partners to get help to those who need it urgently. However, there will be much assistance required in the coming months to help rebuild these shattered communities into the resilient neighbourhoods that once stood so we’re planning for that as well.”
The UPS Foundation is working with the American Red Cross, The International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC), The Salvation Army, and other humanitarian aid partners to provide immediate support and assess longer-term needs, committing additional funding and in-kind assistance for recovery needs that will be specified during the post-crisis recovery phase in the coming months.
Among the recipients of the cash and in-kind assistance are:
* American Red Cross – $100,000 for shelters
* International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC) – $50,000 for Caribbean recovery efforts.
* CARE – $75,000 recovery efforts in Caribbean.
* The Salvation Army – $100,000 for hurricane relief efforts and technical support.
* Points of Light – $125,000 to mobilize volunteer efforts.
* Good360 – $50,000 in additional in-kind support for Hurricane Irma needs.
* National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster – $50,000 to assist member in-kind needs.
* SBP – An additional $75,000 in funding and in-kind support.
* Operation Hope – An additional $25,000 for financial counselling to disaster survivors
Additionally, UPS said it has deployed several skilled volunteers with humanitarian logistics expertise to the Caribbean, Florida and Texas to help coordinate support with partner agencies providing relief.
Earlier this week, FedEx committed $1 million in cash and transportation support to deliver critical medical aid and supplies in the wake of Hurricane Irma. This is in addition to the $1 million the company pledged after Hurricane Harvey. “FedEx is proud to use its global network to help the American Red Cross, Direct Relief, International Medical Corps, Heart to Heart International, Salvation Army, Team Rubicon and Water Mission respond to these unprecedented disasters,” the company stated.
According to US media, FedEx was planning to fly an airplane full of supplies, including medicines, medical supplies, hygiene kits and emergency medical backpacks, from Memphis to Miami today.
In advance of Irma, FedEx already sent a chartered flight of relief supplies for the Red Cross to San Juan, Puerto Rico. Among the relief supplies delivered were blankets, clean-up kits and comfort kits. FedEx also shipped critical relief supplies including water for the Salvation Army and preparedness kits for Direct Relief.
Meanwhile, UPS, FedEx and DHL Express are now operating normally in most parts of the USA hit by Irma last weekend, including Florida. As of today (Friday), UPS pickups and deliveries are still only suspended in 12 ZIP codes in Florida and 20 in Georgia that are affected by flooding and lack of electricity power.
Similarly, FedEx Express services are still suspended in the Florida Keys, and the company advised customers that some service delays and disruptions can be anticipated for inbound and outbound shipments in the south central and south-eastern regions of the U.S.
DHL Express returned to normal operations in safely accessible areas on Wednesday but told customers yesterday that local operations might be impacted in certain areas within Florida, Georgia and South Carolina that remain inaccessible.
In the Caribbean, DHL remains closed on St. Maarten, St. Thomas, the British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, St. Barthelemy and St. Eustatius. However, other Caribbean countries have resumed operations, with expected delays within areas that are accessible.
