Red Cross

Today And Tomorrow

WASHINGTON, D.C., June 30, 2008 -- The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continues to coordinate the operational and support activities of numerous federal agencies in response to continued flooding in the Midwest.

FEMA and its federal partners are working closely with state and local governments as well as with the private sector to support those areas still fighting the floods and to assist those beginning the rebuilding process.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

* Where waters have receded, FEMA disaster assistance workers are providing resources to individuals seeking assistance in the Midwest.    » read more »

Kabul/Geneva (ICRC) – The protracted armed conflict in Afghanistan is causing great suffering for ordinary people across the country, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) told the International Conference in Support of Afghanistan, meeting today in Paris.

Afghan child waiting to see doctor: DOD photo.    » read more »

Anticipates spending in excess of $15 Million for recent disasters

WASHINGTON, June 13, 2008 — The American Red Cross anticipates spending millions as it moves forward with relief efforts for the victims of flooding and tornadoes across seven states, an enormous geographic area. From Kansas to West Virginia, the Red Cross is present with vast amounts of clean up supplies, dozens of shelters and tens of thousands of meals.    » read more »

Relief efforts underway throughout Midwest, but also in West Virginia

WASHINGTON -- June 09, 2008 -- Storms and heavy rainfall have caused serious flash flooding in already saturated areas of the central United States. In response, the American Red Cross has mobilized relief workers to six states in the devastated areas.

Flooded midwestern home: Photo by cabakus (CC)

Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters in terms of human hardship and economic loss.    » read more »

WASHINGTON, Friday, May 23, 2008 — In response to the devastating 7.9 magnitude earthquake that hit China’s Sichuan province on May 12, the American public and corporations have generously supported American Red Cross relief efforts.

“The American Red Cross is grateful for the outpouring of compassion we’ve received from individuals and corporations across the United States,” said David Meltzer, senior vice president, International Services for the American Red Cross. “Thanks to this support, the Red Cross has been able to provide immediate financial assistance to support vital relief efforts for those affected by the earthquake in China.”    » read more »

The Red Cross says Cyclone Nargis may have affected as many as 2.5 million people in Burma, and international groups say the death toll could end up being more than 100,000.

Burma raised its official death toll last week to 38,000, as weather organizations predicted more heavy rain that could make flooding in the country's agricultural belt even worse.

Burmese refugees in the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis: Photo by TZA (CC)

The cyclone hit over two weeks ago, devastating Burma's Irrawaddy delta.

The United Nations says lack of emergency aid could contribute to famine and disease that would send the death toll even higher.    » read more »

21 January 2008 -- The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies warns climate change is one of the greatest threats facing humanity. The Swiss-based humanitarian agency is appealing for nearly $300 million to help people affected by climate change-related disasters and other global problems over the next two years.

The Red Cross Federation says climate change is no longer an abstract issue, it is an undeniable reality, and it is have a catastrophic affect on communities around the world.    » read more »

14 January 2008 -- The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies warns the disastrous floods that have hit Southern Africa are likely to get worse. It says rains are forecast to continue until April.

Rains, which began in early December, have caused many rivers along the Zambezi basin to swell. Zambia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique have experienced severe flooding and the situation is spreading to other countries, notably Malawi, Lesotho and Madagascar.    » read more »

17-12-2007 -- The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement strongly condemns the abduction and murder of a volunteer of the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society in Jaffna on 14 December.

Sooriyakanthy Thavarajah (43) worked for the Jaffna branch of the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society (SLRCS). He was abducted by unidentified gunmen from his home in Kalviwan Kadu, Jaffna, in the presence of his family. His body was found on 16 December at Kaithady.    » read more »

13 December 2007 -- The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies says people who suffer discrimination are often overlooked in times of disaster and may not survive those crises. This year's World Disaster Report tackles the problem of discrimination in disasters and examines ways to help marginalized people get a fair share of assistance.

The report says disasters do not discriminate, people do. And this often can lead to loss of life, disability and increased poverty.    » read more »

American Red Cross Provides Tips on What to Do Now as States Struggle with the Ice Storm

WASHINGTON -- December 11, 2007 — American Red Cross chapters throughout the Midwest are keeping pace with community needs caused by widespread power outages and a frozen landscape, despite several chapter offices being closed due to the recent ice storm.    » read more »

06 December 2007 -- The International Committee of the Red Cross has launched a record appeal for nearly $1 billion for lifesaving activities in some 80 countries next year. Iraq will constitute the ICRC's largest humanitarian operation, with the Horn of Africa running a close second. Lisa Schlein reports for VOA from ICRC headquarters in Geneva.

The International Committee of the Red Cross plans to increase its humanitarian budget for Iraq to nearly $95 million next year. That is a 20 percent increase over the previous year.    » read more »

WASHINGTON, Monday, December 03, 2007 — As part of a national campaign encouraging Americans to Be Red Cross Ready, the American Red Cross has developed the First Aid and CPR for Everyone kit - an at-home tool for practicing compression-only Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).    » read more »

WASHINGTON, Friday, November 09, 2007 — The President of the American Red Cross saw first hand the devastation in the flooded regions of Southern Mexico. At the invitation of the Mexican Red Cross President, he was invited to observe relief efforts for the people of the state of Tabasco. The President of the Mexican Red Cross and the Governor of the State of Tabasco accompanied Everson on the tour of the devastation.    » read more »

Red Cross calls on J & J to drop lawsuit

WASHINGTON, November 06, 2007 — A federal judge late yesterday dismissed an important part of the lawsuit brought by Johnson & Johnson against the American Red Cross seeking to restrict the Red Cross’s use of its emblem on first aid, health, safety and emergency preparedness products. The judge’s ruling dismissed entirely the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) claim that the Red Cross promised not to engage in the sale of first aid, health, safety and emergency preparedness products.    » read more »