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Red Cross Red Crescent to step up efforts against discrimination in Europe
Geneva, 18 December 2001		 The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies announced today, International Migrants Day, that it will stage a major conference in Europe next year to develop a plan of action to address discrimination and xenophobia on the continent.
Window of opportunity to stem AIDS pandemic in
Asia-Pacific
Geneva, 17 December 2001		 The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent is co-sponsoring this week's 5th International Conference on Home and Community Care for Persons Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) which opened today in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Some 3000 people are attending the conference.
Red Cross volunteers mobilised to find ebola victims and tackle stigma
Geneva, 14 December 2001		 Fifty specialised volunteers of the Red Cross of Gabon are working together with other national health personnel to contain an outbreak of Ebola. The viral haemorrhagic fever has killed at least ten people, including one health worker, in the north-eastern Ogooué Ivindo province on the border with Congo.
Red Cross Red Crescent salutes volunteers as International year ends
Geneva, 5 December 2001		 The first ever UN International Year of Volunteers ends today December 5 with a commitment from the world's largest volunteer-based humanitarian network to provide more opportunities for volunteers in the Red Cross and Red Crescent , which has some 20 million active volunteers worldwide.
Red Cross Red Crescent aims to assist 40 million people worldwide in 2002
Geneva, 4 December 2001		 More than 40 million people will be helped by the organisation's long-term health and disaster-related programmes in the coming year, said the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies today in Geneva as it launched its global appeal.
World AIDS Day: five million grandparents looking after orphans in Africa
Geneva, 29 November 2001		 The world's largest humanitarian network today said that in Africa alone at least five million grandparents have gone back to being parents as a result of the HIV/AIDS pandemic which has seen 12 million children losing one or both parents.
Red Cross receives USAID $3.4 million grant to fight TB in Russia
Geneva, 26 November 2001		 The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies today announced details of a three-year programme to fight tuberculosis (TB) in the Russian Federation with a grant of $3.4 million from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Russia.
Algerian relief flights continue as winter raises concern for the homeless
Geneva, 16 November 2001		 Seven Red Cross Red Crescent relief flights brought more than 200 tonnes of emergency relief into disaster stricken Algiers yesterday and six more planes are due today and tomorrow in response to an appeal launched this week by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
Red Cross Red Crescent Movement faces up to new challenges
Geneva, 14 November 2001		 The Council of Delegates of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement concluded its biennial meeting in Geneva today. In its final statement, the Council of Delegates stated that "the terrorist attacks of 11 September delivered a cruel blow to the most fundamental values of human societies..."
Red Cross Red Crescent appeal for funds for Algeria
Geneva, 12 November 2001		 With more rain expected in Algeria, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is today appealing for two million Swiss francs to provide shelter, essential relief items and basic health care to 24,000 people left homeless this weekend by devastating storms and floods.
Security of Red Cross Red Crescent volunteers must be guaranteed
Geneva, 11 November 2001		 Red Cross Red Crescent delegates from around the world stood for a moment's silence this evening in Geneva, out of respect for 17 of their colleagues who lost their lives in the line of duty since the International Movement's Council of Delegates last met two years ago.
Henry Dunant medals awarded
Geneva, 11 November 2001		 Two people have been awarded the Henry Dunant Medal for humanitarian service, at a ceremony held in Geneva on 11 November 2001.
Volunteers break the silence on HIV/AIDS at International Federation General Assembly
Geneva, 8 November 2001		 Even her own death just some weeks ago, did not prevent 40- year-old Red Cross volunteer, Masambo Mundega, from addressing an emotion-charged session on HIV/AIDS today at the General Assembly of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in Geneva.
International Federation elects new President
Geneva, 7 November 2001		 The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies tonight elected 49-year-old Juan Manuel Suárez del Toro Rivero to a four-year term as president of the organization. Mr Suárez del Toro, an industrial engineer by training, is the second Spanish citizen to be elected to the office.
Two new Red Cross Societies admitted to the International Federation
Geneva, 7 November 2001		 The Red Cross Society of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Red Cross Society of the Republic of Moldova were admitted today as a full members to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. This was decided unanimously at the Federation's General Assembly currently meeting in Geneva.
WTO summit urged to ensure affordable access to life-saving drugs
Geneva, 5 November 2001		 The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, is asking its 176 members worldwide to remind governments participating in the forthcoming WTO summit that "humanitarian concerns should prevail over commercial concerns" in discussions on how to improve access for the poor to life-saving drugs.
590,000 People evacuated as Hurricane Michelle heads for Cuba
Geneva, 4 November 2001		 The strongest hurricane in 75 years threatens to cut a swathe of destruction across the island of Cuba in the coming hours. The Cuban Red Cross is supporting an unprecedented evacuation effort which so far has seen 590,000 people moved to safety. The Cuban Red Cross has put its network of 24,500 volunteers on full alert across the island in support of Civil Defence teams in the evacuations which have included over 80% of the population in the Province of Pinar del Rio.
3,000 Afghans arrive in Iran Red Crescent border camps over last 48 hours
Geneva, 25 October 2001		 There is now a growing flood of displaced Afghans arriving at two camps established by the Red Crescent Society of the Islamic Republic of Iran on the Afghan border. Latest figures today show that the camps are home to 6,500 people; 3,000 of whom have arrived in the last 48 hours.
Concern for tens of thousands left homeless after floods hit North Korea
Geneva, 16 October 2001		 Floods which have left 81 people dead and approximately 60,000 homeless in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) have also wiped out essential stocks of rice in an area where there is already a food deficit, says the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
Belize : thousands of homeless desperately need food and shelter
Geneva, 12 October 2001		 Thousands of people are in desperate need of food, clean water and shelter, after Hurricane Iris devastated the southern coast of Belize on October 8, according to a joint Belize Red Cross/Federation assessment team. Just back from an aerial and ground survey of the most affected areas, conducted on 11 October, the team also reports crop loss seems to be severe.
Red Cross Red Crescent flies in additional medical supplies for Afghanistan
Geneva, Islamabad, 12 October 2001		 Medical supplies to treat up to 250,000 people in Afghanistan for a maximum of six months, have today been flown to the Pakistan town of Peshawar in the north west of the country by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
Red Cross to survey damage after hurricane Iris roars ashore in Belize
Geneva, 9 October 2001		 The Belize Red Cross was out at dawn this morning to assess casualties and damage caused by Hurricane Iris which roared ashore 80 miles south-west of Belize City during the night, packing winds up to 140 miles per hour. Food, water and shelter materials will be distributed to those left homeless.
Red Cross Red Crescent calls for urgent action to avert humanitarian crisis
Geneva, Islamabad, 8 October 2001		 A rapid and urgent response is required from the donor community if humanitarian aid is to reach Afghans fleeing military strikes in time, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies warned today.
Africa must not be forgotten in present global crisis says Red Cross Red Crescent
Geneva, 4 October 2001		 When all eyes are focussed elsewhere, the world needs to be reminded of the great humanitarian needs on the African continent, says Dr. Astrid Heiberg, the President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
Red Cross Red Crescent prepares for cruel winter in Afghanistan and neighbouring countries
Geneva, 3 October 2001		 A dramatic scaling up of its response to a potential humanitarian crisis was announced today by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Contingency plans put into place two weeks ago to aid Afghan refugees have now been increased to help a maximum of 500,000 get through the harsh winter.
Elderly could suffer in Afghan crisis, warns Red Cross Red Crescent
Geneva, 1 October 2001		 Today, on the International Day for Older Persons, the Red Cross Red Crescent warns that elderly people could suffer the most in any major exodus of refugees from Afghanistan in the coming weeks. "Winter is on the way and we are concerned that this, combined with the trauma of displacement will have a very severe impact on old Afghan refugees," said Dr. Hakan Sandbladh,
Red Cross Red Crescent appeal response allows massive relief mobilisation
Geneva, 21 September 2001		 A worldwide mobilisation of relief goods is now underway by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies as it embarks on an ambitious plan to pre-position relief goods across Central Asia in response to the Afghan refugee crisis.
Red Cross Red Crescent seeks aid for unfolding global humanitarian crisis
Geneva, 21 September 2001		 With the ramifications of the recent attacks in the United States taking on an ever increasing global humanitarian aspect, the International Federation of the Red Cross Red Crescent Societies is today urgently appealing for funds to prepare and respond to the needs of refugees fleeing their homes.
Drought leaves hundreds of thousands in desperate need of food across Central America, warns Red Cross Red Crescent
Geneva/Tegucigalpa, 20 September 2001		 Nearly 700,000 people in four Central America countries are facing a critical shortage of food after three consecutive years of drought, says the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. In response, the International Federation has launched an preliminary appeal for 3.5 million Swiss francs to help 57,000 people across the region.
Côte d'Ivoire Red Cross helps combat yellow fever
Geneva/Abidjan, 19 September 2001		 An epidemic of yellow fever, a deadly and fast-spreading mosquito-borne virus, has broken out in the West African country of Côte D'Ivoire. Five deaths out of 72 confirmed cases have already been reported in the business capital Abidjan and authorities fear a massive spread of the disease if urgent action is not taken.
Racial intolerance at the heart of many humanitarian emergencies, says Red Cross Red Crescent
Geneva, 30 August 2001		 Racial discrimination and xenophobia are flash-points in most major humanitarian emergencies, it was stated today by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Millions of people are driven from their homes by ethnic tensions and hatreds.
Red Cross offers assistance to ship's asylum seekers
Geneva, 29 August 2001		 Members of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are offering humanitarian assistance to 438 asylum seekers on board a Norwegian freighter, the Tampa, which is in waters north-west of the Australian mainland and south of Indonesia.
Red Cross Red Crescent appeals for aid for Uzbekistan
Geneva, 21 August 2001		 Protracted water shortages in Uzbekistan exacerbated by two years of drought has led to tens of thousands of people in Uzbekistan in need of food aid, says the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
Silent humanitarian crisis unfolding in Tajikistan, says Red Cross Red Crescent
Geneva, 21 August 2001		 Food aid is urgently needed to help an estimated one million people in Tajikistan survive the winter after a second successive crop failure has left a population on the brink of starvation, warns the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
Alert raised as Nile threatens Khartoum
Geneva, 13 August 2001		 Whole villages and settlements in River Nile and Sinnar states have been submerged while there has been damage to crops, property and livestock in the states of Darfur, Red Sea and Kassala. But there has been growing concern over the capital, Khartoum, which is also at risk.
Growing need among Polish flood victims
Geneva, 10 August 2001		 Floods and storms which have swept Poland for a month have left 50,000 people in serious distress, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said today. Appealing for 2.9 million Swiss francs to help them through to the end of the year, the Federation warned of growing needs particularly in the hardest hit areas in the south of the country.
Red Cross aids families displaced by Mayon volcano
Geneva, 9 August 2001		 Philippine Red Cross staff and volunteers have been working around the clock to distribute food and non-food items, mainly in two of the 27 camps for the displaced that have been set up in the area. After the first eruption on July 26, the Philippine Red Cross provided emergency assistance to more than 43,000 people and to 30,000 following the eruptions on July 27.
Red Cross Red Crescent calls for more action in Peru one month after earthquake
Geneva, 26 July 2001		 One month on after the devastating earthquake, thousands of people in particularly remote and difficult-to-reach rural areas, are still in need of protection from the bitterly cold nights in the highlands as well as food and access to health care. In response to the continuing needs, the International Federation has today extended its appeal for the Peru earthquake from just over 2 million to 4.7 million Swiss francs to help 55,000 people for the next six months. The money will be used to target the most affected areas in Arequipa, Moquegua and Tacna in the south-west.
Red Cross Red Crescent seek support as floods wreak havoc across India
Geneva, 25 July 2001		 About eight million people have been affected by the floods in the east Indian state, the worst there in 50 years. But other states have also been hit, including Chattisgarh, west of Orissa and West Bengal. In response, the International Federation is launching an international request for assistance in supporting relief and medical activities conducted by the Indian Red Cross in Orissa and other flood-affected states.
An extensive construction project that includes the building of more than 600 community health centres and several hundred homes, is at the core of a three year rehabilitation programme for the victims of the Gujarat earthquake announced today by the International Federation of Red Cross Red Crescent Societies.
190,000 Left homeless by Peru earthquake
Geneva, 3 July 2001		 The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies estimates that up to 190,000 people have been left homeless by the violent earthquake that struck Peru on June 23. Government figures indicate at least 115 people are dead and approximately 1,600 injured. Fifteen Red Cross evaluation teams have been deployed in the country, and as they reach isolated rural areas, the numbers of reported victims rise. Some 800 Peruvian Red Cross volunteers, with support from Federation delegates, are distributing relief items to survivors in the departments of Arequipa and Moquegua. Travel and communications remain difficult.
Tragic death of Fiji Red Cross Director General
Geneva ,1 July 2001		 John Scott, Director General of Fiji Red Cross Society, was found dead in his house in Suva on Sunday morning. The motive for his tragic death is under police investigation. Scott became the Director General of the Fiji Red Cross in 1994. He played a unique role when a group stormed the Fijian parliament last year and took the then Prime Minister and his government hostage for 56 days. Scott negotiated daily visits to the hostages, where he delivered family messages, food, medicine and clean clothes to the captives. He also played a crucial part in their release.
Reality check needed on international aid efforts, says the Red Cross Red Crescent's World Disasters Report
Geneva ,27 June 2001		 A failure to understand the economic and social realities facing disaster victims leads to poorly designed aid efforts which don't help protect people from the impact of future disasters, says this year's World Disasters Report released today by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
New Partnership to fight Stigma
New York,Geneva ,27 June 2001		 A commitment to fighting the stigma around people with HIV/AIDS is the cornerstone to a partnership between the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the Global Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS (GNP+). The announcement was made at the UN General Assembly's Special Session on HIV/AIDS.
Nigerian Red Cross assisting 186 Liberian asylum seekers after 25-day sea odyssey
Geneva ,26 June 2001		 Nigerian Red Cross volunteers today provided emergency first aid to 186 Liberian asylum seekers who were given permission to disembark from a ship on which they endured a sea voyage of 25 days without adequate food and water. The Liberians are now on their way with Red Cross volunteers to a refugee camp in Oru, Ogun State, 150 kms from Lagos.
First Red Cross relief flight due today into Peru earthquake zone
Geneva ,26 June 2001		 The first Red Cross relief flight is due to land in the heart of earthquake devastated Peru later today in Arequipa. It is scheduled to leave at 7 a.m. local time from the regional logistics base of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in Panama. The plane will carry 20 tons of relief supplies including shelter tarpaulins, tents, water storage bladders and medical supplies.
Floods bring new danger from landmines in Bosnia
Geneva ,26 June 2001		 Widespread flooding in northern Bosnia and Herzegovina has seriously affected thousands of people still struggling to recover in the aftermath of war. Mines which may have been moved by the waters also pose a serious threat to the population, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies warned today as it launched an appeal to help the flood victims.
Peru: appeal for earthquake homeless
Geneva ,25 June 2001		 The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is appealing for two million Swiss francs, to support the Peruvian Red Cross emergency operation for victims of the severe earthquake which struck southern Peru on June 23, leaving more than 70 people dead and nearly 1,000 injured.
Peru earthquake
Geneva ,24 June 2001		 Volunteers and staff from the Peruvian Red Cross were immediately mobilized to assist victims of the strong tremor, measuring 6.9 on the Richter scale (according to the Peru Geophysical Institute). Its epicentre was located in the Pacific Ocean close to the Peruvian coast. It lasted more than one minute and was felt in Bolivia and Chile.
World Refugee Day - looking to the future
Geneva,20 June 2001		 Asylum seekers and migrants should not be forgotten on World Refugee Day, said the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, which provides for the needs of 3.5 million refugees and displaced people worldwide.
International Federation appeals on behalf of victims of Siberian spring thaw
Moscow,Geneva,28 May 2001		 The Russian Red Cross is steppping up its efforts to support thousands of people who have lost their homes in the worst floods to hit Eastern Siberia in a century. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is appealing today for Swiss francs 480,000 to assist 15,000 people over the next eight months.
Red Cross delegate Killed in Yaoundé
Geneva,28 May 2001		 An International Federation delegate was attacked and killed in Yaoundé, Cameroon, on the evening of 27 May. Catherine Duclaux, a French national and a Regional Finance Delegate in Yaoundé was attacked and stabbed in the chest.
New Red Cross Society to be admitted to the International Federation
Sarajevo,Geneva,8 May 2001		 The Red Cross Society of Bosnia and Herzegovina was today admitted as a provisional member to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. This was decided unanimously at the Federation's biannual Governing Board currently meeting in Geneva. It will be the 177th National Society to become a member of the Federation.
May 8 - World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day
Volunteers - making a difference in people's lives
Geneva,8 May 2001		 This year, celebrations to mark the birthday of Henry Dunant, founder of the Red Cross, will highlight the work of tens of millions of Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers who respond to human suffering in communities around the world. Every year, Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies bring assistance to more than 200 million vulnerable people.
International Federation denies abduction report and regrets harassment in Harare
Geneva,27 April 2001		 The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies today denied a local press report that the son of its Head of Regional Delegation for Southern Africa, based in Harare, Zimbabwe, had been abducted on Wednesday. The family member concerned was assaulted and robbed by unknown assailants and was brought yesterday to Geneva for medical treatment.
15 years after - Chernobyl continues to blight the lives of millions
Geneva,26 April 2001		 Thyroid cancer continues to rise and the need for psychological support is growing among the seven million people who live on more than 160,000 square kilometres of land in Belarus, Russia and the Ukraine still contaminated by the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident on April 26, 1986, according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
Meningitis sweeps sub-Saharan Africa - Vaccine shortage poses further threatery
Geneva,25 April 2001		 At least 3,500 people have died in the worst outbreak of meningoccal meningitis to sweep sub-Saharan Africa in the last decade. From the Red Sea to the Atlantic Ocean, a total of 38,000 cases have been documented but many more are likely to have gone unreported, according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
Red Cross organises against child slavery
Geneva,17 April 2001		 Child slavery in West Africa will be on the agenda at a Red Cross summit to be held in Dakar, Senegal next week following the saga of the suspect slave ship which has drawn international attention to the issue of child trafficking in the region.
Children orphaned by HIV/AIDS must remain in their communities - UN Human Rights Commission told
Geneva,11 April 2001		 The 13 million children who are orphaned because of HIV/AIDS not only have to cope with the loss of their parents but often have to deal with hunger and discrimination, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said in a statement today to the 57th Session of the UN Commission on Human Rights which is sitting in Geneva.
International Federation stresses immediate psychological support for disaster victims
Geneva,6 April 2001		 Victims of disasters need immediate emotional and psychological support said the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, marking the World Health day on 7 April, which this year focuses on mental health. Psychological wounds may be less visible than material losses such as the destruction of homes, but they often take far longer to heal.
Red Cross announce major rehabilitation package for Gujarat
Delhi, Geneva,22 March 2001		 The Indian Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies revealed their plans for future recovery and rehabilitation efforts in earthquake affected Gujarat. Following a three day partnership meeting with international donors, the Red Cross will now begin implementing a large scale programme.
World Water Day - main threat to disaster victims is poor water and sanitation
Geneva,21 March 2001		 "We are stepping up our efforts in this vital area because we see increasingly that poor water and sanitation pose the greatest threat to lives in the emergency phase of most disasters when there is a high risk of epidemics," said Dr. Alvaro Bermejo, Head of the International Federation's Health Department.
International Federation calls drug pricing for developing countries "unacceptable"
Geneva,12 March 2001		 The world's largest volunteer-based humanitarian organisation has urged that humanitarian needs should prevail over commercial concerns to ensure access to life-saving drugs in developing countries and is calling on its membership to support countries like South Africa in the search for solutions.
Long term suffering for Central Europe flood victims
Geneva,9 March 2001		 With tens of thousands of people uprooted by some of Central Europe's worst flooding in living memory, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is appealing for one million Swiss francs to strengthen Red Cross relief operations in the stricken area. But, it warns, the region's suffering could be long term.
Red Cross mobilises against meningitis epidemic in Ethiopia - 8.4 million at risk
Geneva,7 March 2001		 A major campaign is underway in Ethiopia to combat a deadly epidemic of meningoccal meningitis which is threatening 8.4 million people, some 16% of the population.The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies today launched an appeal for one million Swiss francs to vaccinate at least 1.5 million people against the disease which leads to death in 50% to 80% of cases unless treated immediately.
Red Cross appeals for flood victims in Mozambique and Malawi
Geneva,2 March 2001		 The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies appealed for 7.5 million Swiss francs to support emergency relief operations for 50,000 people in Mozambique and Malawi, whose livelihoods are threatened by this week's rising flood waters.
Red Cross concerned about unmet needs one month after the earthquake
Geneva, 23 February 2001		 Aid has still not reached remote areas of Kutch province in Gujarat four weeks after the devastating earthquake that left tens of thousands of people dead and hundreds of thousands homeless, says the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
Red Cross to help Mongolian herdsmen hit by bitter winter
Geneva, 15 February 2001		 Traditional nomadic herding families in Mongolia are on the verge of physical and mental exhaustion, and the Red Cross is concerned that many may not survive this bitter winter without immediate aid. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies today appealed for 2.86 million Swiss francs (nearly 2 million US dollars) to help over 35,000 people for the next 12 months.
Red Cross teams save five from the rubble of new earthquake in El Salvador
Geneva, 14 February 2001		 Red Cross emergency teams were on the spot within minutes after yesterday's earthquake in El Salvador and pulled at least five people alive from the rubble. Support is also being provided by the Salvadorean Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to patients evacuated from four district hospitals in the disaster zone.
Red Cross to establish clinic in area affected by new Indian earthquake
Geneva, 09 February 2001		 The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is establishing a Basic Health Care Unit in Bhachau, close to the epicentre of last night's earthquake in the western Indian State of Gujarat which measured 5.3 on the Richter Scale.
Appeal for Pakistan earthquake victims
Geneva, 07 February 2001		 The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent today launched an appeal for 557,303 Swiss francs to support a Pakistan Red Crescent emergency relief operation in aid of victims of the deadly earthquake that struck western Indian province of Gujarat and eastern Pakistan on 26 January.
Federation Secretary General meets with President of India
Delhi/Geneva, 05 February 2001		 The President of India, Mr. VN Narayanan, today met with the Secretary General of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Mr. Didier Cherpitel, and the Secretary General of the Indian Red Cross Society, Dr. Vimala Ramalingam, at Rashtrapati Bhawan, the Presidential Palace in Delhi.
Senior Red Cross official to visit Indian disaster zone as Red Cross airlift continues
Delhi/Geneva, 02 February 2001		 Mr. Didier Cherpitel, Secretary General of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, will join the Secretary General of the Indian Red Cross, Dr. Vimala Ramalingam, tomorrow in New Delhi for a field visit to the earthquake devastated town of Bhuj this weekend .
Red Cross field hospital opens in Bhuj
Delhi/Geneva, 01 February 2001		 A Red Cross field hospital providing essential medical care for up to 400 people, opened in the devastated Gujarati town of Bhuj on Thursday. Bhuj, which was badly affected by the earthquake which struck India's western state of Gujarat, lost all three of its hospitals.
Decomposing bodies are not a public health threat in Indian earthquake
Delhi/Geneva, 01 February 2001		 Normal healthy people killed in an earthquake who do not have communicable diseases do not pose any threat to public health. We have not seen any disease outbreaks as a result of this factor in recent earthquakes such as El Salvador or Turkey.
Indian earthquake-Red Cross logistics pipeline starts to flow
Delhi/Geneva, 31 January 2001		 A German Red Cross emergency water unit was assembled and pumping fresh drinking water today .Indian Red Cross volunteers are working round the clock to put in place the hub of a relief operation in the devastated earthquake zone of Gujarat as a Red Cross airlift continues and the relief pipeline fills up.
International Federation appeals for 25.6 million Swiss francs as Red Cross airlift begins for earthquake survivors
Delhi/Geneva, 30 January 2001		 A massive Red Cross airlift got underway into the earthquake devastated Indian town of Bhuj as the first of seven cargo planes due today, touched down at dawn this morning. At the same time, the International Federation appealed today for 25.6 million Swiss Francs to support a four-month long relief operation in the disaster zone of Gujarat.
Red Cross hospital for Bhuj on way
Delhi/Geneva, 29 January 2001		 Red Cross logisticians are preparing for the arrival early tomorrow of the first components of a field hospital which is being flown into the earthquake-devastated town of Bhuj, in Gujarat, India. A site has been chosen for the facility which will be able to cater for up to 500 in-patients and 1,000 out-patients.
Red Cross Mobilses Field Hospitals and Shelter For Victims of Indian Earthquake
Delhi/Geneva, 28 January 2001		 Local estimates put at 25,000 the number of people buried under the rubble of towns such as Bhuj and Ahmadabad in the Indian State of Gujarat which was struck by an earthquake. A massive mobilisation of resources is taking place through the International Federation at the request of the Indian Red Cross
Appeal for Indian earthquake victims
Delhi/Geneva, 26 January 2001		 The International Federation today launched a preliminary appeal for two million Swiss francs to support an emergency relief operation by the Federation and Indian Red Cross in aid of victims of a powerful earthquake that struck western India earlier today.
Coal, food and quilts to relieve Inner Mongolia's bitter winter
Beijing/Geneva, 24 January 2001		 Nomadic herders in China's autonomous region of Inner Mongolia could face starvation unless aid gets to them quickly, the Red Cross warned today. Blizzards and bitter cold over the last few weeks have already caused the deaths of 39 people. Over 220,000 head of livestock have also perished.
500,000 homeless in El Salvador
Geneva, 24 January 2001		 Some 500,000 people have been left homeless by the earthquake which hit El Salvador on January 13, according to a comprehensive damage and needs assessment conducted by the Salvadorean Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
Appeal for Vladivostock cold victims
Geneva, 17 January 2001		 Serious power failures in the Primorski Krai region (the extreme south-east corner of the Russian Federation) during a bitterly cold winter are putting the lives of some 75,000 people at risk.
Red Cross reaches isolated communities in El Salvador
Geneva, 17 January 2001		 Assessments teams from the Salvadorean Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies have reached isolated communities cut off since Saturday's devastating earthquake.
International Federation steps up efforts to meet needs of survivors
Geneva, 16 January 2001		 Red Cross rescue teams are continuing their search for victims after Saturday's massive earthquake in El Salvador. Red Cross rescue teams are concentrating efforts now on the town of Comasagua, 28 kms east of San Salvador which has been cut off since the earthquake.
Red Cross appeal seeks 1.1 million Swiss francs for El Salvador earthquake
Geneva, 14 January 2001		 The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies today launched a preliminary appeal for Swiss francs 1,112,000 to provide assistance to survivors of the earthquake (7.9 on the Richter Scale) which struck El Salvador and other parts of Central America on Saturday.
Red Cross prioritises search and rescue activity in El Salvador earthquake
Geneva, 14 January 2001		 Over 1,000 Red Cross staff and volunteers have been working round the clock on search and rescue activities in several disaster sites throughout El Salvador since an earthquake (7.9 on the Richter Scale) struck at 11.34 local time on January 13.
Federation steps up aid to frozen Mongolia
Geneva, 11 January 2001		 The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies today announced an increase in assistance to the frozen hinterland of Mongolia where 12.5 million livestock are at risk because of the extreme weather, threatening 250,000 nomadic families with destitution.
   
   
   
   


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