Released today by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), this year’s
World Disasters Report takes a look at the importance of local actors, individuals and local groups such as National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, taking action as first responders at the scene of a crisis.
The report examines the complex and challenging relationship between local and international actors responding to crises, and the challenges encountered when scaling up and sustaining humanitarian response during these emergencies and natural disasters.
“Local actors are always the first to respond. In 2015, we saw local people and organizations at the centre of operations rescuing thousands trapped in the rubble after the earthquake in Nepal, setting up evacuation centres in the wake of Cyclone Pam in Vanuatu, and on the frontline of the protracted conflict in Syria,” said Elhadj As Sy, the Secretary General of the IFRC. “But their effectiveness goes beyond their proximity. Local groups, including National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, are effective because of the perspective they bring, their understanding of language and cultural norms, and because they are permanently present in communities and able to accompany them to address risks before disaster strikes.”
Almost 107 million people were estimated to have been affected by disasters in 2014, a relative increase on the previous year.
The World Disasters Report 2015 also discusses the importance of emergency preparedness. The Canadian Red Cross is working hard in your local community to plan for the unexpected by building relationships with local government and ensuring supplies are nearby.
The Canadian Red Cross helps families in communities across Canada in times of
emergency and disaster, from house fires and floods to wildfires and hurricanes.
The Canadian Red Cross is consistently training volunteers who are prepared to provide vital assistance for people’s basic needs during an emergency or disaster at the local level. You can help contribute to your community by training to become a disaster response volunteer! See how you can make a difference at
redcross.ca/volunteer.