In the past few years there has been a
sharp rise in the number of flood emergencies in Africa responded to by the Red Cross, and further flooding is likely to continue to devastate communities in the months to come, warns the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.Encho Gospodinov, acting director of the policy and communications division at the International Federation of
Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, stated: "Red Cross Red Crescent disasters statistics show a worrying rise in the number of flood emergencies dealt with by volunteers across the African
continent. Action must be taken if we want to protect the lives and livelihoods of millions."The Red Cross and Red Crescent, including the British Red Cross, is currently responding to the
worst floods experienced in East and West Africa for three decades.Africa flood statisticsEncho explained: "Between 2004 and 2006, the number of floods operations in Africa
jumped from just five to 32 and already, by mid September 2007, stood at 42."He continued: "The number of 'medium-size' flood operations - those affecting more than 25,000 people - rose from
two in 2005 to seven in 2006 and has already reached 14 by 20 September 2007. In the meantime, the number of Red Cross and Red Crescent responses to smaller scale flood operations – those
affecting fewer than 25,000 people - also rose sharply from four in 2004 to 25 in 2006 and has already reached 28 to date."Red Cross and Red Crescent national societies are often the only
organisations responding to smaller floods, as they have trained volunteers who live in the communities affected. Encho said: "These 'neglected' disasters do not hit the headlines. But the suffering
of those affected - people who have lost not only their homes and belongings, but their crops and livestock as well – is just as real."Encho noted that the increase in flooding is
consistent with the predictions of climate change analysts and that experts at the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre in The Hague believe climate change will consequently continue to increase the
risk of flooding in Africa.Latest Africa floodingTorrential rain has devastated many communities across East and West Africa this summer. More than a million people in 18
countries have been affected, with thousands displaced and massive damage to crops and livestock leading to fears of food shortages.The British Red Cross is appealing for donations to support
emergency relief work for flood-affected communities. The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is providing
emergency relief to all the affected countries, delivering relief items including shelter, kitchen sets, blankets and water purification tablets. The Red Cross Movement is also providing water and
sanitation, health services and hygiene promotion to those in crisis.
[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
