The National Guard prepares supplies for flood victims. PHOTO: Army National Guard Staff Sgt Pruitt

The American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN), of which MHI is a founding member, has rallied to muster support for victims of last week's flooding in Texas.

Hurricane Harvey devastated parts of the state after making landfall on Friday night. The slow-moving storm left behind flattened communities and is causing historic flooding in Houston and other parts of Texas.

ALAN immediately sprang into action, coordinating transportation of cots from San Antonio to Houston, providing information on sources of swift water rescue teams, drones for damage assessment, portable medical clinics and information on rotor aircraft for delivery of pharmaceuticals to clinics and hospitals.

The group is currently accepting offers of assistance here.

ALAN is very interested in any needs that businesses have, and volunteers are working on a task force to support private sector supply chain recovery efforts.

The network is also calling for information on supply chain disruptions, noting that this information will not be shared except to assist emergency management partners with their decision making for critical commodities.

For those wanting to assist, ALAN points out that monetary donations are the most useful help anyone can give. "They allow affected communities to purchase exactly what they need, when they need it most; they permit local sourcing of supplies, which stimulates the economy and keeps tax revenues at home; and they help survivors to take control of their own recovery."

ALAN explains that each dollar donation enables delivery of USD2.82 of logistics services, and USD72 of humanitarian aid. Donate at http://alanaid.org/how-to-help/donate.

Donations are also being co-ordinated by the Red Cross, United Way and the Salvation Army.

ALAN was founded by several professional and trade associations which came together after Hurricane Katrina to help provide humanitarian relief. Today, ALAN comprises hundreds of supply chain businesses who stand poised to respond in the event of disasters.