Global crises: UK eyes response network

It is the first time a British government has brought together the power of the private sector as well as non-governmental organisations in this way to take part in emergency relief,a Foreign Office release said.

Following a disaster,supplies,experts and vital aid are too often tied up with paperwork,rather than being immediately deployed.

The new facility allows organisations with extensive experience in disaster response to access funding within hours,thereby reaching affected people faster and saving more lives.

It will mean the best organisations from across the UK can be mobilised in the critical first 72 hours following a disaster,the release added.

So far,32 organisations such as Christian Aid,Guava International (Land Rover),Mercy Corps and Oxfam have been approved.

Specialist organisations are also included,such as the medical relief experts Merlin,water purifiers Lifesaver Systems and mapping volunteers MapAction.

The facility will see greater collaboration than ever before between government,charities and business,to ensure the British response is effectively coordinated.

A real-time disaster planning exercise at the Department for International Development has tested how the new facility would get help to affected people quickly and effectively.

The selected organisations will be approached within hours and expected to take immediate action to deliver targeted aid to affected people.

International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell said: “We need our best experts,equipment and aid on the ground quickly after a disaster,not tied up in red tape. They need to be able to do their job in the vital window of 72 hours,to save as many lives as possible.”