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Red
Cross Red Crescent unveils long-term tsunami plans and budget 9 May 2005 The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has unveiled its overall Plan of Action for the next five years in countries affected by the 26 December tsunami. It will directly assist over one million vulnerable people in the region by the end of 2005 alone. The plan of action, reflecting consultations with relevant authorities, UN agencies and, crucially, the affected communities themselves, includes rebuilding or upgrading homes, hospitals and clinics, water and sanitation systems, providing psychosocial support and livelihood support to people, as well as training community-based volunteers and putting in place sustainable disaster preparedness measures. An example of the strong relationship with authorities in the affected countries was illustrated on 6 May when the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement signed an agreement with the Indonesian government. Through the agreement the Movement will implement projects including the construction of over 22,000 homes, hundreds of schools and health facilities, as well as income support programmes. “We felt it was essential to draw up these plans as quickly as possible, so that we can help those in need appropriately both now and in the future, and to demonstrate how resources will be used to help those affected recover from the tsunami and rebuild their lives.” said Johan Schaar, the International Federation Secretary General’s Special Tsunami Representative. “Having our initial long-term plans in place just four months after this huge disaster is a significant achievement. This was made possible due to the efficient work of our staff and volunteers, as well as the close co-operation we have with the authorities in the affected countries and with the United Nations”. The Plan of Action outlines programmes from 2005 to 2010 which will cover a budget of approximately 1.5 billion Swiss francs. This programme budget will be covered by funds already raised. “These long-term plans seek to put in place sustainable solutions that meet the real needs of the tsunami-affected communities in each country and will empower people to protect themselves in this very disaster-prone region,” added Simon Missiri, Head of Asia Pacific Department. The long-term plan of action also includes improving disaster management, logistics, replenishment of relief stocks and training in first aid and disaster response for Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers. Since the disaster struck, more than 22,000 Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers have been assisting those affected by the tsunami. According to official figures, the tsunami left more than 176,400 people confirmed dead. Some 50,000 are still missing and millions more displaced, have been made homeless and left without their livelihood. The long-term plans for the tsunami-affected countries can be found on our website at www.ifrc.org, together with summarized facts and figures per country and achievements to date. For further information, or to set up interviews, please contact: Siân Bowen, Head, Media Service, Geneva Tel. + 41 79 217 33 88 Duty phone Tel: + 41 79 416 3881 Information Delegates in the tsunami region Virgil Grandfield, Indonesia Tel. + 602 812 10 48 207 Maude Froberg, Thailand Tel: + 66 2640 8211 Ext: 400 Paruru Lawrence, Sri Lanka Tel: + 94 77 322 88 21 Andrei Neacsu, East Africa Delegation Tel: + 25 42 271 21 59 The Geneva-based International Federation promotes the humanitarian activities of 181 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies among vulnerable people. By coordinating international disaster relief and encouraging development support, it seeks to prevent and alleviate human suffering. The Federation, National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross together, constitute the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. © International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies |
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