British Red Cross: 'Disaster risk reduction can make a difference'

British Red Cross press release

In response to the International Development Committee’s report on the humanitarian response to the Pakistan floods, David Peppiatt, British Red Cross head of international, said:

“It’s absolutely right that the report should draw attention to the increasing likelihood of severe natural disasters, and the importance of helping vulnerable communities prepare for them.

“Building disaster risk reduction into relief or development programmes in countries like Pakistan and supporting their ability to respond to disasters at a local level can make a huge difference.

“Simple actions, such as having emergency aid pre-positioned, establishing warning systems or teaching people basic first aid, can have a massive impact on reducing the number of people killed or injured when disaster strikes.

“We hope that these recommendations relating to Pakistan will also be carried over into the government’s ongoing review into its response to international humanitarian emergencies.

“In the aftermath of the floods, working with our sister national society the Pakistan Red Crescent Society, the British Red Cross helped provide food for almost half a million people.

“Our logistics teams worked in Punjab and Sindh, two of the worst affected provinces, speeding the delivery of aid to those in need, and a sanitation team worked to set up toilets and washing facilities for 10,000 people.

“Today, projects funded by public donations to the British Red Cross are continuing to help thousands of people on the long road to recovery.”


Notes to editors

• For press enquires, images or to arrange an interview, please contact Mark South, MSouth@redcross.org.uk, 0207 877 7042 or out of hours 07659 145095.