Part of the role of the UPU is to help to maintain postal communication when a catastrophe occurs. In recent years, the Posts of many countries hit by natural disasters have received funding and emergency assistance to restore postal services quickly. UPU regional coordinators are often mobilized to assess the damage to a country’s postal infrastructure and determine how to re-establish services. Relief efforts are closely coordinated with regional postal organizations and United Nations aid agencies on the ground.

The UPU has established the Emergency and Solidarity Fund, which provides emergency assistance to revive postal activities in affected areas. Member countries often generously contribute expertise, money and equipment, or donate financial credits from their Quality of Service Fund resources for specific projects.

Member countries and designated operators wishing to apply for assistance under the Emergency and Solidarity Fund should complete a damage report (accessible via the attached document below) and send it by e-mail to [email protected].