World Disasters Report underlines that information is a life-saving resource
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 on 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 in Johannesburg and other places across the world.
The Report, in its 13th year of publication, highlights the fact that today’s information technology and resources for international disaster warning and response have opened up new possibilities for gathering and giving information. 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 organisations are as good at sharing information with the affected people as with their donors. The Report underlines that the right kind of timely information in the end can save lives.
Francoise Le Goff, the head of regional delegation for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent societies in southern Africa says: “Early warning is the most obvious way to save lives. In the Carribean during 2004’s hurricane season, most countries in the region successfully alerted their populations of approaching storms and many lives were thus saved. Here in southern Africa after the 2000/1 floods experiences; we have seen early warning systems being put in place to reduce the impact of disasters. The key to this success is putting people, and not only technology, at the centre of the warning systems.”
The Report underlines the importance of recognizing information as a form of disaster response in its own right. It also stresses that it is essential to communicate the urgency of neglected or forgotten crises to donors, to the media and to the wider public and not only focus on disasters that fill the headlines like for example the tsumani of December 2004 and hurricane Katrnia.
“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. Despite timely warning, the plight of the Sahel was overshadowed by events in Darfur and the Indian Ocean”, says Markku Niskala, Secretary General of the International Federation. “So, 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.
Another vital aspect is the importance of sharing information, both among aid agencies, but also with the local communities and civil societies affected by a disaster. The Report raises one essential question: Do aid organisations use information to accumulate power for themselves or to empower others?
For further information or to set up interviews (ISDN line available), please contact:
SA Red Cross: Phone: 27 21-418 6640 or Mobile: 083 271 0572
Tapiwa Gomo, Harare Regional Information Officer Phone: 26 34-705 166/7, 720 315/6
Siân Bowen, Head, Media Service Phone: 41 22-730 4428 / 41 79-217 3388
Marie-Françoise Borel, Information Officer Phone: 41 22-730 4346 / 41 79-217 3345
Eva Calvo Phone: 41 22-730 4357 / 41 79-217 3372
Media Service Duty Phone Phone: 41 79-416 3881
The Federation, the national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross together constitute the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. For further information on Federation activities, please consult our web site: www.ifrc.org or SA Red Cross Society www.redcross.org.za