Emergency (Page 37)

The Canadian Red Cross has mobilized to help the people affected by wildfires in Alberta. Massive wildfires have triggered the largest fire-related evacuation in Alberta's history, and due to high temperatures and wind the situation has the potential to become more serious. 

In this panaromic photo, see the Red Cross equipment provided to help in the response to the earthquake in Ecuador.

April 25 marks one year since the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Nepal, resulting in widespread destruction. Nearly 9,000 lives were lost, around 22,000 people were injured, and more than 800,000 houses were damaged or destroyed. The Red Cross, with the support of Canadians, responded immediately and three million survivors received emergency aid. Vital relief items such as clean water, food, and shelter materials, were distributed to ensure the survival of tens of thousands of affected people.

A state of emergency has been declared in Ecuador following a powerful, 7.8 earthquake that hit the coastal province of Esmeraldas on April 17. Hundreds of people have lost their lives, or have been injured – and thousands have been impacted by the disaster. The earthquake struck 173km from Ecuador’s capital Quito, and caused serious damage to buildings, infrastructure, the electricity supply, and highways that are needed to deliver assistance. 

Last week, a group of incredibly talented individuals gathered in Ottawa to attend a week-long Red Cross training session known as IMPACT, short for International Mobilization and Preparation for ACTion. This training includes team building exercises and mock scenarios, all which prepare aid workers to be deployed to the field.

When a disaster or emergency hits, humanitarians are quick to act. Everyday Canadians travel across the world to offer their skills and expertise to vulnerable people. Faces of Humanity is a new campaign that showcases the work of Canadians who are providing life-saving assistance around the world. 

The Round-up offers a weekly sample of what our sister Red Cross Societies are working on around the world.

A changing climate causes an increase in volatile conditions that play a part in severe weather and natural disasters. Serious winter storms, heat waves, wildfires, hurricanes, tornados, and flooding are some of the adverse weather and disasters we’ve seen in Canada – climate change can increase the likelihood of these, and in some cases, increase the severity as well.