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IPCC report; IFRC: “This is a call for transformation. There is no time for delay”

20/03/2023 | Press release

Geneva, 20 March 2023 - The following quotes can be attributed to Erin Coughlan de Perez, who is a Lead Author of one of the underlying reports from the IPCC synthesis report released today and IFRC expert on climate change. “This report is a stark reminder of what we, the IFRC, as the world’s largest humanitarian network have been witnessing and warning for years: climate change is driving humanitarian crises and human suffering around the world. The window is closing, but the report also shows that it is not too late yet. It is time for the international community to take urgent action to reduce emissions to stay below the 1.5 degrees warming limit and work with communities to adapt and prepare for climate change impacts.  What is interesting about this report is that we usually talk about different parts of the climate crisis separately - reducing emissions, adapting to save lives, or responding to losses and damages. This report acknowledges that we need to do everything at once, and it gives a roadmap for how we can achieve this. That roadmap is not a simple one, where we just make a few minor changes and keep going with the status quo. Instead, it is a call to transformation - fundamentally altering society to achieve climate-resilient development.   The recent agreement at COP27 on loss and damage to establish new funding arrangements for vulnerable countries is a welcome step forward. However, progress on climate adaptation remains uneven, with the gaps between what is needed and what has been achieved being starkly felt by those living in lower-income countries.    More financial pledges are needed, and funds must reach the communities most affected, be predictable and flexible to invest in solutions such as early warning systems linked to community action plans to prevent and respond to climate impacts”. To request an interview or for more information, please contact:  [email protected] In Geneva: Tommaso Della Longa, +41 79 708 43 67 In Washington: Marie Claudet, +1 202 999 8689

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20/03/2023

IPCC report; IFRC: “This is a call for transformation. There is no time for delay”

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IPCC report; IFRC: “This is a call for transformation. There is no time for delay”

20/03/2023 | Press release
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Türkiye and Syria earthquakes: MENA Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies come together in crisis

15/03/2023 | Article

It was 4:17 AM on February 6, 2023 when two powerful earthquakes wreaked havoc across southeast Türkiye and northern Syria, killing more than 50,000 people and instantly destroying livelihoods. Those fortunate enough to walk out of their buildings woke up to absolute devastation. The only thing more frightening than the sight of collapsed buildings was the deafening silence. While the Syrian Arab Red Crescent and Turkish Red Crescent were very quick to respond, it was clear from the immense scale of the disaster that additional support was urgently needed. Thankfully, regional and global support from the IFRC network was swift, with Red Cross and Red Crescent societies from all over the world sending aid within 24 hours. National Societies from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region were some of the first to arrive on the scene. Red Crescent and Red Cross emergency teams from Algeria, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Palestine, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE were all dispatched immediately to support search and rescue missions and provide urgent relief. Let’s hear from some of them about how they responded, and hear their perspectives on the crisis: The Iraqi Red Crescent Society was quick to act, with emergency teams and shipments of relief items by air and land. Their President, Dr. Yassin Ahmed Abbas, said: “Two Iraqi airplanes carrying tons of relief items landed in Syria approximately 8 hours after the earthquake. We also dispatched a team of 150 volunteers - supported by ambulances and mobile clinics - to Türkiye to assist with search and rescue and first aid. We’ve managed to provide more than 300 tons of relief supplies so far - to both Syria and Türkiye - and there’s more coming.” At the same time, the Algerian Red Crescent quickly mobilized its resources, deploying an emergency team and sending out two shipments totaling 185 tons of relief items that included food, water, clothes, blankets, mattresses, tents and generators. Nabyl Daas, Emergency Response Team Coordinator for the Algerian Red Crescent, said: “We formed a team of 26 volunteers that included two orthopedic surgeons and a team of Mental Health & Psychosocial Support specialists. We served in 4 different areas in Aleppo, but the conditions were extremely difficult as most buildings were in danger of collapse, which made our work extremely challenging.” It was a similar story for the Kuwait Red Crescent Society volunteer team, who were unaware of the immense challenges ahead. “We felt so many aftershocks during our search and rescue missions, which made our job more difficult than it already was. The most intense aftershock was a 6.4-magnitude, and it caused more deaths and destruction.” said Adnan Haidar, a Kuwait Red Crescent volunteer. “There was nowhere to sleep as everything was destroyed, homes, hotels, everything. People were lining up in fuel stations to get fuel for their cars, which were turned into temporary homes. It was extremely cold, so people used the heaters in their cars for warmth. They would then turn off the cars to sleep because either they were too scared to go back into a building or because their homes were completely destroyed,” Adnan added. As well as sending much-needed support crews, the Kuwait Red Crescent Society signed an international cooperation agreement for 5 million USD to provide urgent aid in affected areas in Syria, which included food, medical supplies, blankets, tents, electrical appliances and prefabricated homes. However, there is a need for more support despite the ongoing efforts, according to the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS), which dispatched a team of 14 specialized in Disaster Risk Management, Mental Health & Psychosocial Support, and First Aid. The PRCS assessed the situation in Syria and were able to identify several gaps, including a shortage in particular relief items. Rana Faqih, Disaster Risk Management Coordinator for the Palestine Red Crescent, said: “We were able to assist thousands of people through our different services; however, there is a desperate need for more support.” “There’s plenty of aid coming in, but it’s not enough. There are plenty of food parcels and hot meals, and they’re enough for everyone, but we noticed an insufficiency in other relief items such as baby formula, children’s clothes, hygiene kits and dignity kits. We need to do more.” There is, nevertheless, light at the end of the tunnel, as Abdallah Zgheib - who was part of the Lebanese Red Cross search and rescue team - says: “I cannot describe the feeling we had when we rescued a pregnant woman and her child from under the rubble. I never imagined I would feel so joyous and thankful amid such devastation. Everyone who witnessed this moment erupted in celebration. We celebrated hope.” “The power of humanity is what gave us hope and kept us going, non-stop; it kept us going in sub-freezing temperatures and it kept us full despite barely eating anything for 4 days straight.” One month into this heartbreaking crisis, MENA Red Cross and Red Crescent teams continue to support one another in the face of challenging and evolving circumstances. While much uncertainty remains for those affected by the earthquakes, our volunteers are a constant and will be there for people as long as they’re needed. This crisis has shown, more than ever, that there is strength in numbers. Strength in working together. And strength in our IFRC network.

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15/03/2023

Türkiye and Syria earthquakes: MENA Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies come together in crisis

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Türkiye and Syria earthquakes: MENA Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies come together in crisis

15/03/2023 | Article
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Vanuatu: Urgent need for shelter and clean drinking water after double cyclones

14/03/2023 | Press release

Port Vila, 14 March 2023 – There is an urgent need for shelter and clean drinking water as hundreds of thousands of people have been affected by back-to-back cyclones in communities across Vanuatu. Hundreds of people are still seeking shelter in evacuation centres as some have had their houses damaged or completely destroyed. Access to clean drinking water has also been affected as water sources were damaged due to the severity of impact of the two cyclones. Cyclones Judy and Kevin affected over 160,000 people across the six provinces of the country. Ten days since the cyclones hit, most communities remain without power as authorities continue to struggle on finishing the repair on damaged power lines. Vanuatu Red Cross has been working closely in coordination with the local National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) and providing immediate assistance to those in evacuation centres and in severely affected communities. Over 300 trained Red Cross volunteers have been deployed to assist with the disaster response and continue to work tirelessly up to now. Vanuatu Red Cross Secretary General, Dickinson Tevi said: “Our volunteers have been on the ground since last week conducting assessments and distributions to the affected communities. Most houses have suffered damages while some people have had their houses completely blown away. That just shows the scale of damages caused by these two cyclones. It was massive.” “We are glad to have been able to establish contact with our branch on Tanna island and our volunteers are already distributing relief items to affected households.” The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has released emergency funds totalling 799,389 Swiss Francs to provide support to Vanuatu Red Cross for nine months. With the support of IFRC, Vanuatu Red Cross volunteers have so far reached over 5,000 people with immediate relief. Over 700 shelter toolkits for repairing of damaged houses, 1,000 tarpaulins, 500 hygiene kits for cleaning and washing, 200 solar lanterns and 900 jerry cans for storing of water have been distributed to severely affected communities. Head of the IFRC Pacific Office, Katie Greenwood, said: “We are already assisting Vanuatu Red Cross to scale up its activities with this response as critical needs become clearer with assessment data coming in from affected communities. We have already deployed IFRC and Red Cross personnel in key technical roles such as Shelter cluster coordination and IT and telecommunications, to assist with operations and are looking at deploying additional staff in the coming days based on gaps identified by Vanuatu Red Cross." “The impact of these two cyclones will be felt for a long time and will need a well-coordinated response plan to get people back on their feet, the soonest time possible.” For more information, contact: In Port Vila: Soneel Ram, +678 517 0388, [email protected]

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14/03/2023

Vanuatu: Urgent need for shelter and clean drinking water after double cyclones

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Vanuatu: Urgent need for shelter and clean drinking water after double cyclones

14/03/2023 | Press release
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Bangladesh fires: Thousands of homes, schools, hospitals, and water networks burnt in Cox's Bazar

06/03/2023 | Press release

Cox’s Bazar/ Kuala Lumpur, 06 March 2023: A massive fire that broke out in the afternoon of 5th March has razed at least 2,000 houses, leaving nearly 12,000 people homeless in the Camp 11 of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, the world’s largest refugee camp. Located in the Ukhiya sub-district where at least three water networks serving 16,000 people, five learning centers, and three health facilities were burnt to ashes, among other infrastructure, the fire rapidly spread to 15 sub-blocks of the camp. The Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) responded immediately, supporting fire-fighting operations and evacuations. At least 200 volunteers from the camps trained by BDRCS, along with the Fire Service and Civil Defense team of Cox’s Bazar, finally doused the flames by late evening. BDRCS is delivering 1,000 tents for immediate relief and distributing food parcels, blankets and mosquito nets in coordination with the Refugee, Relief and Repatriation Commissioner of the Government of Bangladesh to the affected people. Belal Hossain, Head of Operations for the Population Movement Operation of Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) in Cox’s Bazar said: “Given the dry season and frequent winds, the fire spread rapidly. Thanks to our trained volunteers and preparedness plans –we responded immediately supporting evacuations, providing food, water, and emergency shelter. Such frequent fires bring needless suffering to the camp residents who are already displaced for more than five years now.” Around one million people displaced from Rakhine State, Myanmar, live in the crowded camp settlement, supported by the Government of Bangladesh and humanitarian agencies, including BDRCS and the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). Hrusikesh Harichandan, Head of Sub-Delegation of the IFRC said: ‘‘This fire is a devastating blow to thousands of families who saw their hard work of the past five years turn to ashes. Several families have lost everything they own. We need greater coordination to establish better, more humane living conditions for them.We are giving emergency aid to support their resilience in the face of such disasters.” The BDRCS, along with the IFRC, has trained nearly 3,300 volunteers across the 33 camps to act as first responders during emergencies. They have undergone firefighting drills and other disaster preparedness training while awareness-raising activities to prepare for disasters are regularly held for camp residents. IFRC and BDRCS are collaborating with other humanitarian agencies to determine the needs. In addition, community health volunteers have been activated, and contingency stocks have been mobilized to support those affected. As part of the ongoing Population Movement Operations, the BDRCS, with the assistance of IFRC, other Red Cross and Red Crescent partners, and UNHCR, has supported nearly one million people in the camps and host communities with healthcare, access to safe water, improved sanitation and hygiene, safer shelter and livelihoods. For more information or to arrange an interview, contact: Cox's Bazar: Barkat Ullah Maruf, +880 1711 222922, [email protected] Sabrina Idris, +880 1710-840327, [email protected] Dhaka: Mahmudul Hasan, +880 1716-103333, [email protected] Kuala Lumpur: Afrhill Rances, +60 19 271 3641 [email protected]

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06/03/2023

Bangladesh fires: Thousands of homes, schools, hospitals, and water networks burnt in Cox's Bazar

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Bangladesh fires: Thousands of homes, schools, hospitals, and water networks burnt in Cox's Bazar

06/03/2023 | Press release
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Vanuatu: Back-to-back cyclones hammer island nation, recovery efforts will be immense

04/03/2023 | Press release

Port Vila/Suva, 4 March 2023 – Hundreds of thousands of people in Vanuatu are estimated to be affected after two massive category 4 cyclones slammed across the island nation within 24 hours. Cyclone Kevin, packing wind gusts of up to 160 km per hour, slammed across the country within hours of cyclone Judy’s exit. Access to affected communities has been hampered as most roads have been damaged and fallen power lines have also caused power outages, making communication to remote communities difficult. Tanna island in the province of Tafea is expected to be the worst affected. Vanuatu Red Cross Secretary General, Dickinson Tevi said: “We are still trying to establish communication with our branch in Tanna. We still have not heard anything since cyclone Judy hit. We have pre-positioned relief items on the island ready to be distributed to affected households. Despite being cut off from the rest of the country, our trained staff and volunteers on the island will know what to do as this is what we prepare them for every year as part of our disaster preparedness trainings.” “The impact of both these cyclones will be felt for a long time as people slowly start to pick up the pieces and rebuild their lives. The response and recovery efforts will be huge.” Vanuatu Red Cross has been providing immediate assistance to over 300 people currently sheltered in evacuation centres with items such as blankets, hygiene kits for washing and cleaning and solar lanterns. Other items such as tarpaulins for shelter are also ready for distribution once teams are able to access affected communities. Head of the IFRC Pacific Office, Katie Greenwood, said: “Two back-to-back cyclones means that the immediate needs will be huge. IFRC is ready to provide support as we anticipate that the needs will be scaled up in the coming days. We are working closely with the team at Vanuatu Red Cross and preparing for the days ahead.” “Disasters of this scale require collaboration with all relevant stakeholders so that we reach the most affected people with assistance as fast and as safely as we can.” For more information or to arrange an interview, contact: In Suva: Soneel Ram, +679 9983 688, [email protected]

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04/03/2023

Vanuatu: Back-to-back cyclones hammer island nation, recovery efforts will be immense

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Vanuatu: Back-to-back cyclones hammer island nation, recovery efforts will be immense

04/03/2023 | Press release
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