Media Information Update: Emergencies on the Radar - International

In this issue:

• Sudan Conflict
• Tropical Cyclone Ditwah and Flooding in Asia
• Hurricane Melissa
• Venezuela 
• Emergencies on the Radar Episode 3 

Emergencies on the Radar provides updates about how the Canadian Red Cross and its partners are responding to crises and supporting affected communities around the world.
 

Sudan Conflict

The armed conflict in Sudan, now exceeding 1,000 days, has resulted in a humanitarian crisis that has impacted millions of people.

The crisis has displaced more than 11.8 million people within Sudan and across neighbouring countries. Ongoing conflict has destroyed critical infrastructure, leaving millions without access to safe water, contributing to the spread of cholera and other waterborne diseases. Sexual and gender-based violence has become widespread across the country. School closures have forced millions of children out of the classroom.

The Canadian Red Cross is working closely with its Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement partners to support efforts to assist people affected by this crisis.

The Canadian Red Cross recently provided funding to support health activities carried out by the Norwegian Red Cross in coordination with the Sudanese Red Crescent. In addition, the Canadian Red Cross has deployed 16 humanitarian experts to Sudan and and neighbouring countries to assist with the ongoing response.

Since the onset of the crisis, the Sudanese Red Crescent has been supporting affected communities by providing emergency medical care, first aid, shelter, mental health support, safe spaces for women and children, and other essential assistance. The support has come with a high cost. Many humanitarian workers have lost their lives during the conflict in Sudan, including five volunteers who were killed in October while distributing food.

The emblems of the Red Crescent and Red Cross symbolize humanitarian support and signify that those wearing them are there to help. Humanitarian workers must be protected and should not be targets.
 

Tropical Cyclone Ditwah and Flooding in Asia

In December, heavy rainfall and major flooding caused by Tropical Cyclone Ditwah impacted millions of people across Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Vietnam.

Thousands of families have been forced to seek refuge in temporary shelters due to extensive damage to their homes and properties.

The Canadian Red Cross is in close contact with its Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement partners in these countries. We are ready to provide support as needed.

The Movement has delivered extensive support across impacted countries, including shelter, search and rescue, and water distribution by the Indonesian Red Cross. The Sri Lanka Red Cross has also distributed essential items such as water, hygiene kits, bedding, and clothing to affected communities.

The Canadian Red Cross is providing financial support, funded by Global Affairs Canada, to assist the Sri Lanka Red Cross with its ongoing relief efforts.

Canadians wishing to help people impacted by Tropical Cyclone Ditwah can donate to the Canadian Red Cross appeal.
 

Hurricane Melissa

The devastating effects of Hurricane Melissa continue to affect communities across the Caribbean.

In response, the Canadian Red Cross launched the Hurricane Melissa Appeal to support people impacted by the hurricane throughout the region.

In Jamaica, the hurricane caused widespread damage to infrastructure and severely disrupted access to healthcare for many communities.

The Canadian Red Cross has deployed several personnel to Jamaica as part of its Emergency Response Unit health team. At the request of, and in collaboration with, the Government of Jamaica’s Ministry of Health, the team continues to provide medical care to patients.

Cuba was also seriously affected by the hurricane. With support from Global Affairs Canada, the Canadian Red Cross delivered essential medicines and medical supplies for distribution to those in need. 
More information on the response to Hurricane Melissa is available here.
 

Venezuela and Iran

The Canadian Red Cross is monitoring the situations in Venezuela and Iran closely. We are in close contact with our Movement partners in the respective regions and stand ready to support any humanitarian needs.
 

Emergencies on the Radar Episode 3

About the Canadian Red Cross:

Here in Canada and overseas, the Red Cross stands ready to help people before, during and after a disaster. As a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement – which is made up of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross and 191 national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies – the Canadian Red Cross is dedicated to helping people and communities in Canada and around the world in times of need, and supporting them in strengthening their resilience.

MEDIA CONTACTS

English Media: media@redcross.ca and 1-877-599-9602
French Media: communication@croixrouge.ca and 1-888-418-9111