American Red Cross Tsunami Response Transitions to Long-Term Recovery

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the American Red Cross released its long-term tsunami recovery plan that addresses the needs of tsunami survivors over the next five years. Now that the initial emergency phase has passed, the organization is embarking on the important task of rebuilding lives and livelihoods.

The generosity of the American public has allowed the American Red Cross to provide more than $100 million in emergency aid to more than 2 million survivors. This aid includes emergency food for 1.6 million people, vaccinations for 1.1 million children and relief supplies for 400,000 people. The relief effort was carried out with the worldwide International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, along with other global humanitarian organization partners.

In the green industry in particular, GIE Media has made a concerted effort to bring awareness of the tsunami disaster to its readers. In January 2005, the parent company of Lawn & Landscape magazine developed its Tsunami Relief Plan, including regular coverage of industry-related tsunami relief efforts on the Web and in print, the launch of the Tsunami Victims Relief Report Web site, and a print advertising relationship with the American Red Cross. Individuals may visit tsunami.gie.net for more information on tsunami relief efforts throughout the industry and for information on dozens of relief organizations welcoming donations toward the relief and rebuilding efforts in Southeast Asia.

In the past six months, the needs of tsunami survivors have evolved. They range from the rehabilitation of complete community water systems to disaster mental health counseling. With the initial emergency needs addressed, the long-term recovery efforts of the American Red Cross are now underway and are estimated to last five years.

"I witnessed the devastation first-hand and am inspired by the enormous amount of help the Red Cross has already provided to tsunami survivors," said Marsha Evans, president and CEO of the American Red Cross. "We recognize there is a long road ahead, and we are committed to meeting the challenge. Working with our partners, we will help rebuild the lives and livelihoods of affected communities."

Over the next five years, the American Red Cross will assist survivors by providing:

• Community health services and disease control such as rehabilitating water and sanitation systems, preventing disease through massive vaccination campaigns, and training local disaster mental health staff.
• Disaster preparedness activities to promote safer communities ready for future disasters.  When disaster strikes, preparedness efforts help to ensure fewer lives will be lost and communities will be better equipped to respond.
• Community restoration and rebuilding by working with partners in the reconstruction of schools, health systems, and livelihoods in the affected regions.

The long-term tsunami recovery plan takes advantage of the expertise and experience of the American Red Cross in areas such as water and sanitation rehabilitation, healthcare education and disaster mental health services. For detailed information on the American Red Cross tsunami recovery plan, please visit www.redcross.org/tsunami. For information on the efforts of our Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement partners, visit www.ifrc.org