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World
Disasters Report underlines that information is a life-saving resource 5 October 2005 Today’s information technology has helped aid agencies gather and store huge amounts of information, but do people affected by disasters get enough information? This year’s World Disasters Report 2005 focuses on information in disasters and considers the quality of the communication that takes place between those involved in disasters and what impact this information has on the people caught up in a crisis. The Report was released today (5 October) by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The Report, in its 13th year of publication, highlights ways in which accurate, timely information can save lives and reduce suffering during disasters. But it also raises the question whether the affected populations get early enough warnings of an impending disaster, whether these communities are involved in what aid agencies are planning on their behalf and whether aid organizations are as good at sharing information with the affected people as with their donors. The Report underlines that the right kind of information leads to a much deeper understanding of people’s needs and the best ways to meet those needs. Juan Manuel Suárez del Toro, President of the International Federation, says: “Early warning is the most obvious way that information can help save lives. In the Caribbean, during the 2004 hurricane season, most countries in the region successfully alerted their populations of approaching storms and many lives were thus saved. The key to this success was putting people, and not only technology, at the centre of warning systems.” The Report underlines the importance of recognizing information as a form of disaster response in its own right. “Far from the media spotlight, numerous chronic crises silently steal lives and livelihoods. The Sahel region is suffering near-famine, triggered by drought and locusts with 9 million people at risk by mid-2005”, says Markku Niskala, Secretary General of the International Federation. “The record of the international aid community is mixed. Information can save lives. But there are gaps in the way we gather and share this powerful resource. Fortunately, this year’s Report reveals that there is much good practice on which to build,” he adds. The Report provides evidence to show that information is as valuable as food, water or shelter for communities affected by disaster. The importance of sharing information, both among aid agencies, but also with the local communities and civil societies affected by a disaster is underlined. For further information, or to set up interviews, please contact: Siân Bowen, Manager, Media Service Tel. + 41 22 730 44 28 / + 41 79 217 33 88 Marie-Françoise Borel, Media Officer Tel. + 41 22 730 43 46 / + 41 79 217 33 45 Eva M. Calvo, Media Officer Tel. + 41 22 730 43 57 / + 41 79 217 33 72 Rosemarie North, Media Officer Tel: + 41 22 730 42 96 / + 41 79 217 33 86 Pete Haydon, Media Officer Tel: + 41 22 730 44 26 / + 41 79 308 98 04 Media Service Duty Phone (Out of hours) Tel: + 41 79 416 38 81 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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