Omari Gates
The Australian Red Cross, a humanitarian aid and community services charity, has provided support to numerous countries worldwide. With a presence in the Asia-Pacific region for over a century, the organisation has assisted countries like the Maldives, Christmas Island, Fiji, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea, and Vanuatu. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they collaborated with National Societies in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Bangladesh. Additionally, the Australian Red Cross has responded to natural disasters, such as cyclones in Fiji and Bangladesh, flooding in Mongolia and Timor-Leste, and earthquakes in Vanuatu and Morocco. Their overall goal is to build resilient communities capable of preparing for, responding to, and recovering from disasters and crises, with a priority focus on Asia-Pacific nations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Countries assisted | Maldives, Christmas Island, Fiji, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Morocco, Ukraine |
| Type of support | Humanitarian aid, community services, emergency management, blood donation, migration support, disaster preparedness, international humanitarian law advocacy |
| Disaster response | Cyclones, flooding, landslides, earthquakes, boat disaster, bushfires, pandemics |
| History | Incorporated by royal charter in 1941, part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement |
| Volunteers | 16,000+ members and volunteers, 20,000+ members and volunteers |
| Partners | Australian government, National Societies, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies |
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What You'll Learn
The Maldives: helped clear debris after the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami
The Australian Red Cross has provided aid and support to numerous countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including the Maldives. In 2005, the organisation made an agreement with the Maldivian government to help clear debris and provide humanitarian aid after the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami.
The 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami had a devastating impact on the Maldives. All but nine of the islands that make up the nation were hit by the tsunami, resulting in significant destruction and loss of life. Two-thirds of the capital city, Malé, was flooded, and many outlying low-lying atolls and islands were badly affected, with some resort areas completely submerged at the peak of the tsunami. The total damage was estimated to be nearly $460 million, accounting for 62% of the country's GDP.
The Australian Red Cross played a crucial role in the aftermath of this disaster by assisting with debris clearance and providing much-needed humanitarian aid to the affected communities. This was in line with their overall program goal of building stronger and more resilient communities capable of preparing for, responding to, and recovering from disasters and crises.
The Australian Red Cross's response to the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami in the Maldives is just one example of their long history of helping countries in the Asia-Pacific region. The organisation has a presence in the region for over a century and continues to play a vital role in disaster preparedness, response, and community resilience.
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Christmas Island: assisted survivors of the 2010 boat disaster
The Australian Red Cross is a humanitarian aid and community services charity that has been providing support for over 110 years. It is part of the world's largest humanitarian network, with links to over 190 National Societies in countries around the world.
In December 2010, Australian Red Cross aid workers were dispatched to Christmas Island to assist survivors of the 2010 boat disaster. On 15 December 2010, an Indonesian fishing boat (known as the Janga and referred to as SIEV-221 by Australian authorities) carrying 89 asylum seekers and 3 crew members sank after being dashed against rocks near Rocky Point, Christmas Island. 50 people died, and 42 were rescued.
The Australian Red Cross provided support to the survivors of this tragedy, who had received medical treatment and were temporarily placed into mandatory immigration detention on Christmas Island. The three Indonesian crew members who piloted the boat were convicted of people-smuggling offences in Australia. An Iranian-Australian was also extradited to Australia and sentenced to 14 years' imprisonment for organising the vessel.
The Coroner's Court of Western Australia investigated the incident and criticised the lack of available rescue vessels and insufficient surveillance of incoming boats. The Coroner concluded that the disaster was "generally foreseeable". Many residents of Christmas Island involved in the rescue efforts reported feelings of extreme helplessness and post-traumatic stress. The bravery of residents and rescue officers was praised, and the Australian Parliament formed a bipartisan committee to investigate, delivering its report in June 2011.
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Fiji and Bangladesh: responded to cyclones
The Australian Red Cross has provided aid and support to numerous countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including Fiji and Bangladesh, which have experienced cyclones.
Fiji
The Fiji Red Cross Society (FRCS) was established in 1952 and became an official member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in 1972. The FRCS has a strong volunteer base, with volunteers from Fiji and around the world. They work with the Fijian government to respond to cyclones and other natural disasters in the country.
In 2020, Fiji was hit by Cyclone Yasa, a powerful Category-5 storm that caused widespread destruction, leaving people without shelter and fresh water. The Fiji Red Cross provided assistance to those in need, despite facing challenges due to disrupted communications and poor weather conditions.
To enhance its cyclone response capabilities, Fiji, in collaboration with the Australian Red Cross, has adopted a Simplified Early Action Protocol (EAP). This protocol enables humanitarian responders to access funding and initiate life-saving actions before a cyclone makes landfall. The EAP includes anticipatory actions, such as deploying shelter materials, reinforcing boats, and ensuring clean water access, all triggered by forecasts of an impending Category 4 or 5 tropical cyclone within 250 kilometres of Fiji.
Bangladesh
Bangladesh is prone to regular cyclone threats and has received support from the Australian Red Cross and its collaboration with the Bangladesh Red Crescent. In preparation for cyclones, the Red Cross has funded the construction of brick pathways to evacuation centres, making it easier for families to reach safety.
During Cyclone Amphan, one of the strongest cyclones ever recorded in the Bay of Bengal, Red Cross volunteers played a crucial role in warning families, assisting evacuations, and providing relief. The Red Cross also worked alongside the Bangladesh Red Crescent to train community members in coastal areas on first aid and cyclone preparedness. This included disaster simulations, teaching early warning signals and evacuation procedures, ensuring that community members were ready to act when needed.
The Australian Red Cross's involvement in Fiji and Bangladesh demonstrates its commitment to building resilient communities capable of preparing for, responding to, and recovering from disasters and crises in the Asia-Pacific region.
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Mongolia and Timor-Leste: provided support during flooding
The Australian Red Cross has provided support to several countries affected by natural disasters in the Asia-Pacific region. Mongolia and Timor-Leste are two such countries that received assistance during flooding.
In Mongolia, the Australian Red Cross collaborated with the Mongolian Red Cross Society (MRCS), the largest humanitarian organisation in the country, to respond to flooding. The MRCS, established in 1939, has an extensive network of branches across Mongolia and serves as an auxiliary to the Mongolian Government. One of its core program areas is disaster management, which helps communities prepare for and recover from natural disasters such as floods.
The Australian Red Cross worked with the MRCS to provide relief and recovery support to communities affected by flooding. This included pre-positioning funding or supplies, such as water, food, medical supplies, and temporary shelter, to reduce the impact of the disaster on Mongolian communities.
In Timor-Leste, the Australian Red Cross partnered with the local Red Cross, known as Cruz Vermelha de Timor-Leste (CVTL). Established in 2000 and legally recognised as an auxiliary to the Timor-Leste Government in 2005, the CVTL delivers humanitarian services, improves systems, and ensures a countrywide presence.
During the flooding in Timor-Leste, the Australian Red Cross provided emergency relief materials, such as temporary shelter and critical household items to replace those lost in the floods. They also offered financial assistance to the CVTL and other local organisations involved in the relief efforts. Additionally, they addressed food supply shortages through the World Food Programme and provided personal protective equipment to replenish stores that had been reduced due to the flooding.
The Australian Red Cross's involvement in Mongolia and Timor-Leste during the flooding events demonstrates its commitment to strengthening communities' resilience and response capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region.
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Papua New Guinea: responded to a landslide
The Australian Red Cross has been providing humanitarian aid and community services for over a century. It is part of the world's largest humanitarian network, with links to 190+ National Societies in countries around the world.
In Papua New Guinea, the Australian Red Cross responded to a devastating landslide in Yambali village in the Maip Mulitaka region of Enga Province in May 2024. The landslide occurred when a limestone mountainside sheared away, resulting in an estimated 670 deaths according to the UN, with fears that over 2,000 people may have been buried alive. The Australian government pledged an initial $2.5 million in humanitarian assistance for PNG, its closest neighbour.
The PNG Red Cross Society played a crucial role in coordinating first response efforts. They worked alongside officials from the provincial governor's office, police, defence forces, and local NGOs as part of an emergency response team. The Red Cross provided vital first aid training and support during the crisis, and their presence was especially important given the remote location of the disaster area.
The landslide also raised concerns about water contamination and the potential spread of contagious diseases, as half the population of Papua New Guinea already lacked access to pure water sources. The Australian Red Cross's response to this disaster aligns with its overall program goal of building stronger, more resilient communities capable of preparing for, responding to, and recovering from crises, with a particular focus on Asia-Pacific nations.
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Frequently asked questions
The Australian Red Cross has provided aid and support to countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including the Maldives, Christmas Island, Fiji, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea, and Vanuatu.
In 2005, the Australian Red Cross made an agreement with the Maldivian government to help clear debris created by the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami.
The Australian Red Cross has responded to various natural disasters, including cyclones in Fiji and Bangladesh, flooding in Mongolia and Timor-Leste, a landslide in Papua New Guinea, and earthquakes in Vanuatu and Morocco.
The Australian Red Cross has collaborated with National Societies in Asia-Pacific countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Bangladesh during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their overall program goal is to build stronger and more resilient communities capable of preparing for, responding to, and recovering from disasters and crises.
The Australian Red Cross provides a range of services, including international humanitarian law advocacy, migration support, emergency management, blood donation, and community services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, youth, families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
