USAID assistance helped WFP helicopters to carry on relief operation

Mizzima News
25 June 2008

New Delhi — The UN World Food Programme has said airlifting aid supplies to Burma's cyclone victims continues with an aid of USD 3 million given by the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

WFP spokesperson in Bangkok, Paul Risley, however, said airlifting aid supplies could stop by end of June unless more assistance was provided for its logistical needs.

"We have enough funds to operate helicopters until end of June," said Risley, adding that it was possible through emergency help by USAID.

Risley last week told Mizzima that WFP faced a serious fund shortage needed to deploy ten more choppers that were used for airlifting aid supplies for over 50 international aid agencies.

He said the use of helicopters was critical as aid supplies could only reach several villages in the remote areas by airlifting.

Last week, USAID, which had earlier given USD 4 million for WFP's logistical support, said it would give an additional 3 million USD.

"We have all the ten helicopters airlifting aid supplies till today," Risley said.

Meanwhile, the US said it has ended airlifting of aid supplies from Thailand to Burma, the announcement indicating that the United States was stopping aid supply to cyclone victims.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the US embassy in Thailand said, "The U.S. military airlifting of cyclone relief from Thailand to Burma ended on June 22."

The announcement, which does not provide any reasons, said the US Joint Task Force Caring Response since May 12, began flying 185 C- 130 aircraft from Thailand, carrying aid supplies including tarpaulins, mosquito netting, food, zodiac boats, water treatment equipment, and other relief supplies, including donations from Thailand.

The US has till date spent more than USD 13 million for the supplies and relief operation.

"The excellent cooperation we received from the Thai side made this relief effort possible. Coordination and cooperation with other donors, including WFP, was also outstanding," the statement said.