Last week at The Huffington Post I wrote about how the internet plays such a major role in feeding the hungry during emergencies. The technical experts of the World Food Programme in Nepal are a great example. They are the ones that restore internet service so all humanitarian agencies can better coordinate food aid deliveries.
Communication is essential in times of crisis. Here is the latest on how the Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC) is doing in Nepal. According to the UN, “Over 1133 humanitarians from more than 140 different response organizations are now using internet services provided by the cluster.”
The ETC team just linked to two Save the Children offices to expand this service. In total, “The cluster is providing shared internet services for the response community at 14 sites across Kathmandu, Deurali, Gorkha, Charikot, Chautara, Bidur, Lalitpur, Dhunche and Arughat.”
They are a great example of the behind-the-scenes work that is needed to feed the hungry. What is especially important to note, is that funding is required to keep this integral program in motion.
WFP relies entirely on voluntary contributions to provide food aid and supporting services like ETC. Nepal’s food needs are very high right now in the aftermath of the earthquakes. WFP has set up a donation page for Nepal.
Read the full update at Examiner.
Author William Lambers 