One of the main ways the Logistics Cluster is working with the humanitarian community in Malawi is by coordinating the transport of cargo and passengers via air. Currently, the Logistics Cluster is facilitating access to an UNHAS MI-8 helicopter, and two South African Bell helicopters on behalf of the humanitarian community. Since the start of the Malawi operation, whereby the Logistics Cluster has been providing support to the Government’s relief efforts, the Cluster has facilitated the transport of 320mt of cargo and 668 passengers by air. However, as heavy rains continue to fall in the South of the country, the use of air transport has decreased, causing a delay in cargo and passenger movements. While the needs of displaced persons are increasing, identifying ways to deliver the cargo and other passengers is of utmost importance.
The flooding has made access by boats as difficult as land or air because of the deposit of large volumes of silt. The Logistics Cluster is working with partners on the ground to ensure that all organisations are aware of changes in road conditions, and to provide updates on alternative access options. The Malawi cluster team is using 4x4s to locate open road routes and assess road capabilities. Constant communication between the teams on the ground, including the Geographic Information System (GIS) team, have been critical to the operation. Flash updates to partners have been a primary information management tool used to provide real-time updates on road conditions. Additionally, GIS mapping has proven to be key as distribution to partners continues during the flood response. UNICEF and MSF have both noted that the maps have been critical to their ground operations in the flood affected areas and in enhancing their capacity to reach the affected populations. The situation in Malawi highlights the necessity for strong coordination, communication and information management and is a reminder that the work in Malawi is far from over.