The American Red Cross is responding to the tornado that struck Oklahoma on 20 May 2013, but is not currently asking for international support. Donations made to our Disaster Fund will help us respond to future disasters, anywhere in the world.
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 |
| Mali |
March 2013 |
£200,025 |
Population displacement and food insecurity (more info) |
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.
| Mozambique |
February 2013 |
£388,600 |
Flooding (more info) |
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) |
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) |
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) |
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) |
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.
| Lesotho |
December 2012 |
£110,895 |
Food shortages (more info) |
Disaster: Close to 40 per cent of Lesotho's population – 725,000 people – face severe food insecurity due to flooding and cold weather.
For: Gardening tools and food for 1,600 households, and preparing local leaders to adapt to climate change.
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.
