USAID/OFDA's Role in a Disaster Response

Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA). OFDA is the lead USG agency for organizing and managing foreign disaster assistance. The agency develops the overall response strategy, provides on-scene management in support of the U.S. Ambassador, and provides USG funding to implementing partners. OFDA also collects and analyzes information on the response and serves as the primary reporting source for the total USG response. OFDA's mandate is to save lives, alleviate human suffering, and reduce the economic and social impact of disasters. Annually, OFDA responds to approximately 70 disasters, and every response must fall into the three parts of the mandate. OFDA's response criteria include the host country's request for assistance, the disaster's magnitude, and the USG's interest in providing aid. Once these criteria are met, the U.S. Ambassador may declare that a disaster exists, and the USG will respond in support of the host nation. OFDA offers various response options, including funding, humanitarian commodities, personnel, and a combination of these resources. The agency maintains emergency relief commodity stockpiles in strategic locations, such as Miami, Pisa, and Dubai, which include essential items like plastic sheeting, blankets, and water purification trailers. OFDA also has regional offices located in Africa, Asia/Pacific, Latin America, and Europe, Middle East, and Central Asia, which enable the agency to respond quickly to disasters in these regions. Regional advisors and disaster response management specialists play a crucial role in OFDA's disaster response efforts. These specialists are familiar with the region's disaster profile, have established relationships with key U.S. embassies, USAID missions, and NGOs, and are attuned to cultural issues and regional sensitivities. OFDA also collaborates with other USG agencies, such as the Department of Defense, and has established partnerships with NGOs and implementing partners to enhance its disaster response capabilities. In preparation for hurricane season, OFDA/LAC conducts annual MDRO training throughout the region, maintains emergency relief commodities, and develops individual country plans. The agency also collaborates with other USG agencies, such as the U.S. Coast Guard, to enhance its disaster response capabilities. Overall, OFDA's disaster response efforts are guided by its mandate to save lives, alleviate human suffering, and reduce the economic and social impact of disasters.