Disaster Response
Through its response system, the International Federation develops logistics systems which help mobilise international resources and organise preparations for disaster management and response.
In times of disaster, the entire system is activated. National Societies head response operations with the support of Representation Offices and PADRU. As the focal point of disaster response, PADRU activates and coordinates the rest of the technical disaster response tools at a global and regional level, for example RIT, FACT, ERU and DREF.
During the first 72 hours of a disaster, Red Cross volunteers along with international relief personnel are deployed to the sites to assess damages and needs, plan the response operation, and establish logistics and telecommunications, as well as coordinate assistance through international aid appeals.
The Disaster Response System in the Americas, with direct and indirect support of the International Federation through PADRU, has handled more than 100 operations in over 30 overseas countries and territories since 2001 until December 2007, helping over 1,750,000 people. If the humanitarian assistance provided directly by the Red Cross in each country were to be taken into account, the number of operations and persons assisted would be much higher.
The system has developed monitoring mechanisms and early warning systems which facilitate decision making for pre-positioning personnel and humanitarian aid before disaster strikes (e.g. in case of hurricanes). The Disaster Management Information System (DMIS) enables the exchange of information between all components of the Red Cross. There have been 973 reports published in the DMIS from the Americas corresponding to over one hundred different disasters and emergencies.
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- 32 Emergency Appeals
- 76 DREF allocations
- Caribbean 37%
- Central America and Mexico 34%
- South America 29%
- Caribbean 34%
- Central America and Mexico 31%
- South America 31%
- Continental / Regional 4%
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During the last 6 years, PADRU has assisted in different types of emergencies and disasters: floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes amongst others. PADRU also supported tsunami relief operations in Asia, the earthquake in Bam (Iran), provided humanitarian aid during the first phase of the Iraq conflict and supported response capacity building in Africa.
Thanks to the coordination of joint efforts by Partner National Societies in the region such as the American Red Cross, British Red Cross, Canadian Red Cross, Dutch Red Cross, French Red Cross, Italian Red Cross, Norwegian Red Cross, Spanish Red Cross and Swiss Red Cross, the impact of the humanitarian response has increased, maximising the use of resources. Likewise, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) cooperates in the reestablishment of family ties.
- Flooding 50%
- Hurricanes/ Tropical Storms 21%
- Earthquakes/ Tremors 11%
- Drought / Food insecurity 4%
- Social crisis 4%
- Volcanic eruptions 4%
- Other 6%
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