Helping people survive the floods

Last summer heavy rains caused some of the worst flooding in living memory here in the UK, but also in countries across East, West and Central Africa. Tens of thousands of people were forced to seek refuge in schools and hospitals, or build makeshift shelters, after the torrential rains reduced their homes to piles of mud and bricks. Crops were destroyed, sanitation facilities damaged and water supplies contaminated – bringing a high risk of famine and disease.

The Red Cross responded immediately. Across the region, thousands of volunteers and staff worked around the clock, distributing essential items such as tarpaulins, blankets, mosquito nets, jerry cans, water purification tablets, food and cooking equipment. We also worked to avert deadly epidemics by helping those affected by the flooding to stay healthy and prevent the spread of water-borne diseases.

And when the immediate crisis was over, Red Cross support for those living in the flooded areas didn’t stop. Since the floods, Red Cross workers have been distributing seeds and tools to help farmers to rebuild their livelihoods. Volunteers are also continuing to work with local communities to improve hygiene and sanitation and increase people’s ability to cope with future floods.

Sending your donation today can help us continue to work with communities in need in the long term

http://www.redcross.org.uk/donatesection.asp?id=77029