Disasters

Disasters Information Agencies

Global resources providing information on natural and man-made disaster situations, including tools designed to assist information exchange within the disaster relief community.

R.E.A.C.T. China Earthquake

On 12th May, 2008, a huge earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale hit China's Sichuan province. More than 69,000 people were killed and an estimated 5.36 million buildings collapsed. The needs are ongoing and Global Hand is committed to playing its part in keeping this crisis before our constituents, even after the initial response has slowed down.

R.E.A.C.T. Myanmar (Burma)

Cyclone Nargis struck Myanmar on 2 and 3 May 2008 leaving around 140,000 people dead or missing. More than 2.4 million people were severely affected. Global Hand sees the ongoing need and is committed to playing our part, even after the initial response has slowed down.

R.E.A.C.T. Tajikistan

Abnormally cold weather conditions in Tajikistan, causing heavy snowfall and frozen rivers, have damaged water and electrical supply systems and isolated mountain villages. Snowfall in December 2007 was 245% above the historical average for the month. Temperatures of between -8°C and -25°C since the beginning of 2008 have increased demand for heating while at the same time affecting the supply capacity. This has led to severe rationing of electricity and sharp increases in the prices for fuel. In the capital, Dushanbe, power is already cut at least 14 hours a day and in most rural areas electricity supply has been cut off completely. Compounding this crisis, two consecutive poor harvests, combined with doubling food prices in recent months, have left rural populations with few remaining coping strategies.

R.E.A.C.T. Peru Earthquake

An earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale hit the central south coast of Peru on Wednesday, August 15th, 2007 at 6:40 p.m. With its epicentre 167 km south west of Lima, the earthquake has caused major devastation in the region. Hundreds have been killed and injured. More than 85,000 people are left without homes and requiring shelter in the midst of a cold weather spell that is affecting Peru.

R.E.A.C.T. Indonesian Earthquake

Thousands were killed in Indonesia as a result of the earthquake which struck central Java. Thousands more were made homeless. Relief and reconstruction efforts are underway and ongoing assistance will be needed.

R.E.A.C.T. South Asian Earthquake

The October 2005 earthquake in South Asia was the strongest in that region for 100 years. A massive global effort is needed to help with the recovery and rebuilding process. You can help!

R.E.A.C.T. Hurricane Katrina - ARCHIVED

Thousands were killed and hundreds of thousands made homeless after Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans and the Gulf Coast of the USA. The huge recovery operation continues.

R.E.A.C.T. Niger - ARCHIVED

The tragedy of the situation in Niger requires a humanitarian response on a global scale. Through Global Hand, you can play a part in that response.

R.E.A.C.T. Tsunami - ARCHIVED

As the tragedy surrounding the Asia quake and tsunami continues to unfold, we will keep this page updated to maximise the possibility of cooperation between those wanting to help.

How your community group can help

Guidelines for community groups offering assistance for disaster relief efforts.