Discover the latest news on our disaster risk management program!

Red Cross teams on the front line for cyclone Belal

After cyclone Belal hit the northwest of Reunion Island, the authorities reported significant material damage and four victims. Throughout this cyclone crisis, the volunteers of the French Red Cross spared no effort to welcome the beneficiaries in the emergency shelters and meet their needs.

While the impact was less destructive than expected on Reunion Island, Mauritius was not spared. The Mauritius Red Cross assisted the local authorities immediately after the flooding caused by torrential rain. The volunteers transported injured victims by ambulance and took part in damage, and needs assessments.

This cyclonic episode in the Mascarene Islands reminds the importance of preparedness and preventive measures to protect the population and minimise damage.

On 1 January 2024, the heavy tropical storm Alvaro hit the south of Madagascar from west to east. The authorities recorded 10 victims and more than 25,000 people affected. The Malagasy Red Cross supports the affected communities of Vohipeno (Fitovinany region) and organises the distribution of humanitarian supplies and financial aid to more than 2,800 people. A number of water, hygiene and sanitation actions are also underway.

Curbing the cholera epidemic in the Union of the Comoros

A cholera epidemic has been raging in the Union of the Comoros since 2 February. With 117 cases and 6 deaths confirmed to date, the Comorian Red Crescent volunteers are operating with the authorities to control the spread of the epidemic. Supported by the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, they are carrying out disinfection operations, guarding cholera treatment centres, distributing hygiene kits and raising awareness of preventive measures.

Seychelles hit by a double disaster

Early in December, the island of Mahé suffered serious damage following an explosion in a warehouse and then flooding caused by heavy rain. These incidents had a severe impact on the offices of the Seychelles Red Cross, which is continuing its efforts to help the population. To support these efforts, PIROI – French Red Cross has sent hygiene products to meet the needs identified.

The Mauritius Red Cross involved in the fight against dengue fever

The Mauritian health authorities are currently observing a rise in dengue cases: 494 active cases were recorded in Mauritius and 361 cases in Rodrigues. In order to limit the transmission of the virus, the Mauritius Red Cross teams, with the support of PIROI, are carrying out a number of activities: training volunteers, educating the population on how to protect themselves, administering rapid tests and distributing repellents. The PIROI transported mosquito nets directly from its warehouse to supply the local authorities.

Psychological first aid training in the event of an epidemic

As part of the activities carried out during the COVID-19 pandemic, teams identified the need for support in stress management and the management of cases of psychological distress within communities. That's why, in November 2023, PIROI - CRF organized a regional training course for National Society teams to provide psychological first aid in an epidemic context.

Study on community-based early warning systems in the Union of the Comoros

© Marion Joly / PIROI

Early warning systems enable imminent threats linked to natural hazards to be detected, assessed and communicated quickly and effectively.

The Comorian Red Crescent and PIROI - CRF commissioned an external study to analyze the feasibility of developing community-based early warning systems dedicated to the risk of flooding in the Union of the Comoros.

To reduce the risk of disasters in schools and protect children from natural hazards, the Mauritius Red Cross is conducting vulnerability and capacity assessments in schools. With the support of PIROI - CRF, volunteers from the Rodrigues branch have been trained in this participatory approach and will soon be working in the schools identified.

Creation of a game about to natural hazards in the Mafate's cirque

Through the Paré pas Paré project, PIROI - CRF is raising awareness of natural hazards among Reunion's population, even in the most inaccessible locations. In response to the vulnerability of the inhabitants of the Mafate cirque, we have designed an educational prevention game that integrates the local specificities linked to natural hazards. This board game was distributed by our volunteers during awareness-raising sessions organized last January.

Drawing up a training plan for Malagasy Red Cross volunteers

© MangaFeo / Malagasy Red Cross

In an associative structure where volunteering is a founding principle, volunteer training is essential to the effectiveness of the activities implemented. In Madagascar, the Red Cross is developing a standardized training program with the help of PIROI - CRF. This will make it easier to upskill volunteers according to the strategic needs of the National Society.

Facilitating procurement management within the Red Cross Movement

A practical guide has been created to serve as a handbook and tool for anyone involved in procurement management within Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies. It explains good procurement practices and procedures within the Red Cross Movement, using simple terms and concrete examples.

Training in the key concepts of disaster risk management

In our last e-Mini Learning, we shared with you an online training course dedicated to disaster risk management (DRM). Its three interactive modules will enable you to:

● Identify the phases of the disaster risk management (DRM) cycle;

● Define DRM terminology;

● Identify the different players and their roles.