The Round-up offers a weekly sample of what our sister Red Cross Societies are working on around the world.
PAKISTAN: Four months ago, record monsoon rains in southern Pakistan flooded vast expanses of land, destroying homes and valuable crops. Many families have lost their homes, farmland, and belongings and almost 670,000 men, women and children have fled to the relative safety of relief camps. Thousands more are camped out on roadsides, facing the risk of deadly diseases from contaminated water. The Pakistan Red Crescent, and its partner societies from across the movement, has so far been able to reach more than 28,000 families with provisions of food, and emergency supplies such as kitchen kits, tents and tarpaulins.
INDIA: On the morning of December 30, Cyclone Thane battered India’s south-east coast causing thousands to flee from their homes. In its wake, the cyclone left an immense trail of destruction and marked a devastating start to 2012 for many. The Indian Red Cross Society has been at the forefront of the response to this emergency. Working closely with local authorities, the Red Cross helped to evacuate people from low-lying coastal areas and sent out warnings through its district branches. Other Red Cross efforts include the distribution of food packets, utensils, candles, and water containers to those most in need.
GLOSSARY:
ICRC = International Committee of the Red Cross
IFRC = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies