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Disaster Fund

Help the Red Cross respond to disasters. Your donation will be used in the UK or overseas.

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Nobody can predict the exact location of the next flood, cyclone, earthquake or violent conflict. But when they happen, the Red Cross must be ready to act as soon as we're needed.


Thanks to the Disaster Fund, we can make sure we're ready to give people the help they need in an emergency – whether it's food, shelter, healthcare, or another form of support.


How we have used the funds recently

Area Date Amount Disaster
The Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of Congo May 2013 £125,000 Population displacement(more info)
The CRC provide clean water to residents
Disaster: Tens of thousands of people are in need of shelter, healthcare and food following violent clashes between armed factions in the Central African Republic. Since December, more than 200,000 people have fled their homes within the Central African Republic. Almost 50,000 people have sought asylum in neighbouring countries, the majority of whom have settled on the Ubangi river, on the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

For: Supporting affected people with emergency first aid and medical kits, and improving access to clean water and sanitation.

Our news story: Conflict affects the entire population of the Central African Republic
Mali March 2013 £200,025 Population displacement and food insecurity (more info)
Refugees receive food rations from Red Cross volunteers.
Disaster: Ongoing fighting has made it harder for people to access food in Mali. There are at least 267,265 displaced people and over 4.3 million need humanitarian assistance.

For: Supporting the International Committee of the Red Cross, which is well-placed to meet the needs of vulnerable displaced people affected by food insecurity. This contribution will provide 2,920 households – 17,520 people – with food parcels containing enough rice, wheat, oil and salt for one month.

Our news story: More than four million people in Mali need help
Mozambique February 2013 £388,600 Flooding (more info)
Red cross workers distributing aid
Disaster: Since early January 2013 extremely heavy rainfall has caused widespread destruction across Mozambique, killing over 100 people. More than 250,000 people have been affected and 190,000 have had to leave their homes.

For: Sending an emergency sanitation team to provide much-needed hygiene and sanitation support to the affected population.

Our news story: Team rush to help victims of Mozambique floods
Nigeria February 2013 £93,904 Flooding (more info)
Nigerian Red Cross worker assisting women and children
Disaster: Floods in October 2012 affected seven million people in Nigeria. Infrastructure, property and livestock have been damaged, and 2.1 million people have had to leave their homes.

For: Supporting the provision of emergency shelter, healthcare and sanitation.
Burundi February 2013 £40,000 Population movement (more info)
Red cross workers put up temporary shelter
Disaster: At the end of 2012 a Tanzanian refugee camp was closed, resulting in repatriation of almost 34,000 Burundian refugees.

For: Supporting the returning population by providing water and promoting sanitation and hygiene.

Our news story: Cholera threatens displaced Burundian refugees
Zimbabwe February 2013 £80,025 Food insecurity (more info)
Zimbabwe Red Cross volunteers share information about basic hygiene
Disaster: Lack of access to food is a problem in Zimbabwe for about 1.6 million people. Heavy rains in southern Africa in December and January made this problem worse.

For: Helping communities prepare for future food crises by improving their access to safe water and basic sanitation, as well as providing seeds, fertilizers and tools.
Philippines January 2013 £303,000 Flooding (more info)
Red Cross volunteers help evacuate villagers from flooding
Disaster: In December 2012 the Philippines was hit by Typhoon Bopha, soon after tropical storms and typhoons earlier in the year. The death toll was over 1,000 people.

For: Supporting the Philippine Red Cross’ shelter and livelihoods work with people affected by Bopha.

Our news story: Red Cross gives £285,000 to help Philippines after Typhoon Bopha
Note: there were additional funds allocated to the Philippines, the total equalling £303,000.


Without the generosity of people like you, we wouldn't have been able to be there and make a difference to thousands of people when they most needed help. By supporting our Disaster Fund, you can be sure your money will be used as soon as it is needed, anywhere in the world.


Help us save lives the next time disaster strikes. Please donate today.

How your donation could help

  • Donate £5
    £5

    £5 could provide water purification tablets for 600 people.

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  • Donate £18
    £18

    £18 could provide two first aid kits, used during an incident like the London bombings.

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  • Donate £30
    £30

    £30 could buy a food parcel for a family of five.

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  • Donate £50
    £50

    £50 could help train a volunteer to respond to emergencies here in the UK.

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Latest Disaster Fund news

People are in need of shelter, healthcare and food following violent clashes in the Central African Republic.

The British Red Cross has given more than £80,000 from its Disaster Fund to support the Zimbabwe Red Cross.

Burundian refugees are facing serious health risks as they return from Tanzania.

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