The Round-up offers a weekly sample of what our sister Red Cross Societies are working on around the world.
SYRIA: Concern is growing for over 3 million people affected by the conflict in Syria as winter approaches in a region where temperatures can drop below freezing. People have taken shelter in public buildings and parks, or have found a place to stay with host families as thousands continue to flee their homes looking for a safer area inside the country and across the borders in neighbouring countries. Many are in urgent need to be prepared and equipped to face the cold weather. The Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC), the Jordan National Red Crescent Society and the IFRC have begun distributing winter blankets, mattresses and tarpaulins and are planning additional distributions in the coming months.
HAITI: Hurricane Sandy has resulted in catastrophic agricultural losses in Haiti, after local food supplies were already hit by tropical storm Isaac. Rivers which flooded during the storm have taken away topsoil, fruit trees and cultures. Plantations of corn, beans, sorghum, pigeon peas, bananas, tubers, peanuts, vegetables and rice were entirely destroyed or badly damaged by wind and water. Livestock has also been lost. The drought that preceded Isaac had already caused huge losses, jeopardizing food security even further. An emergency appeal has been launched by the IFRC to enable the Haiti Red Cross Society to provide families with better food security.
MYANMAR: An earthquake measuring 6.8 struck central Myanmar on November 11. Some injuries and deaths have been reported, as well as damage to hundreds of homes. The Myanmar Red Cross Society has provided emergency relief supplies to families, as well as first aid services and referrals to health facilities.
GLOSSARY:
IFRC = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies