The Round-up offers a weekly sample of what our sister Red Cross Societies are working on around the world.
FIJI: Severe flooding and landslides caused by constant heavy rains in the northern and western division of Fiji’s largest island of Viti Levu have forced thousands from their homes. Staff and volunteers of the Fiji Red Cross Society have been playing a critical role in responding to the immediate needs of many of those displaced. The National Society has started distributing emergency relief items to over 3,000 people in 74 evacuation centres and to communities stranded by the floods. Red Cross volunteers and staff are also providing first aid and care at the evacuation centres, and have briefed community leaders on health and hygiene precautions to be disseminated to the most vulnerable communities.
NIGER: The IFRC has launched an emergency appeal for $4 million US to help the Red Cross Society of Niger assist 350,000 people affected by the current food crisis. Funds raised will be used to distribute emergency food to cover initial needs, but also seeds and tools as part of a longer-term solution, and to support health centres in the provision of nutritional advice and other services. The Red Cross Society of Niger will also launch a ‘cash for work’ program to create jobs in affected communities and will provide financial support for those unable to work.
GLOSSARY:
ICRC = International Committee of the Red Cross
IFRC = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies