The Red Cross Round-up

The Round-up offers a weekly sample of what our sister Red Cross Societies are working on around the world.

IRAN: On April 9, a powerful 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck south-west Iran. The exact death toll is not yet clear butregional authorities say at least 37 people have been killed and as many as 850 injured. Over 70 rescue and assessment teams from the Red Crescent Society of the Islamic Republic of Iran have been deployed to the affected area. In addition, three helicopters, 60 ambulances, ten rescue vehicles and four specialized emergency health and sanitation teams have been mobilized. The organization said immediate rescue operations had been completed and it was now focused on providing relief to the thousands of families affected.

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC: When fighting between rebels and the military in CAR intensified earlier this year, the influx of people into DRC spiked, from 4,000 in January to nearly 22,000 in March. After the government of CAR was overthrown on March 24, an estimated 5,000 people ran to DRC in the days that followed. UNHCR has opened one refugee camp in Worobé, not far from the border with CAR, and plans to open a second one, further inland. The Democratic Republic of Congo Red Cross is encouraging refugees to move to these camps, however, few want to go. They prefer to remain near the river which offers an opportunity to live their traditional lifestyle. The IFRC has launched an emergency appeal and, working through the Democratic Republic of Congo Red Cross and its network of volunteers, activities will focus on the provision of life-sustaining items. This includes mobile health clinics visiting various sites along the river, and the distribution of supplies such as mosquito nets, shelter kits, soap and buckets.

SOUTH SUDAN: Violence has forced thousands of people to abandon their homes in several remote areas over the past few months. The ICRC has recently provided them with vital aid. In Jonglei state, it has distributed fishing tackle to 12,000 needy residents and displaced people.

GLOSSARY:

IFRC = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

DRC = Democratic Republic of Congo

UNHCR = United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees