«Les gens ont autant besoin d’informations que d’eau, de nourriture, de médicaments ou d’abris», notait le Rapport sur les catastrophes dans le monde 2005. Communiquer avec les populations affectées est crucial avant, pendant et après une catastrophe. Cela permet aux Sociétés nationales de la Croix-Rouge et du Croissant-Rouge de leur fournir des informations qui peuvent sauver des vies.

Are we actually moving forward with technology? We have new partnerships, innovative technologies, and we definitely have the motivation, so where are we going with it all?

In 2012, a panel of humanitarian IT and telecommunications experts identified seven key lessons to be learned by the emergency response community, spanning IT innovation, new technologies, partnerships, resource-sharing and social media. It was agreed that these needed to be implemented in order for the community to advance and save more lives.

The United Nations and the humanitarian community in Haiti launched a Humanitarian Action Plan for 2013 for 144 million dollars to meet assistance to IDPs; cholera epidemic response; reduction of food insecurity/malnutrition; emergency preparedness and response.

An innovative location-targeted text messaging system will be able to reach 36,000 people an hour at the touch of a button with warnings of impending fires, floods, or outbreaks of disease.

SITUATION OVERVIEW

• Food insecurity due to the destruction of crops by natural disasters

• Recurrent natural disasters and the residual consequences of the 2010 earthquake

• Resurgent localized cholera outbreaks

The lack of information during crises disengages local communities from the aid response. Are humanitarian organisations listening?

In the immediate aftermath of a disaster, from earthquakes to armed conflicts, survival depends on knowing the answers to questions such as: Is it safe to go back home? Should I stay where I am or go for help? Where are my family and friends? How and where can I go for help? Where is the nearest health facility?

By Attila Kulcsar

When a devastating earthquake hit Haiti's capital, Port au Prince, and the surrounding towns in January 2010 HelpAge had already been there for 9 years, working to empower and support poor and vulnerable older people.

The money raised through the DEC's Haiti Earthquake Appeal, announced within 24 hours of the quake, meant that we could extend our work to help older people recover from the disaster.